Lake Como Residents Demand Immediate Action on Unattended Kayak Rental Kiosk
- Miss Peacock
- Oct 17, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 21, 2024
On behalf of Keep Lake Como Beautiful (KLCB), a coalition of residents, community associations, and partners, we are addressing a significant grievance concerning the recent installation of an unattended kayak rental kiosk at Lake Como Park. This kiosk was placed without community consultation, further deepening the disconnect between the City of Fort Worth and the Lake Como neighborhood.
Lack of Community Consultation
The Lake Como community was not informed or consulted regarding the installation of this rental kiosk. It is concerning that a vendor with no ties to the local community has been allowed to operate in Lake Como Park without input from the residents who are directly impacted. As stakeholders, the voices of Lake Como residents should always be heard when decisions are made concerning public spaces in their neighborhood.
Safety Concerns Highlighted by Drowning Incident
This installation follows a tragic drowning incident on July 29, 2024, at Lake Como Park. The availability of kayaks for rent without proper safety measures such as life jackets, lifeguards, or safe kayak entry points poses an ongoing risk to park visitors. The community is still grieving this loss, and it is imperative that the City of Fort Worth address the dangers of operating the kiosk under its current conditions.
Eroded Public Trust and Call for Accountability
The installation of this kiosk without proper engagement has eroded the trust of the Lake Como community in the City of Fort Worth's dedication to public safety and transparency. Historically underserved communities, such as Lake Como, should never be left out of decisions impacting their safety and well-being. This lack of transparency only reinforces the notion that the voices of these residents are being ignored.
KLCB's Request for Corrective Action
To ensure the safety and trust of the community are restored, KLCB is requesting immediate action from the City of Fort Worth:
Implementation of Immediate Safety Measures:
Install life jackets and safety equipment at the kiosk.
Assign lifeguards during rental hours to ensure public safety.
Construct safe ramps and entry points for kayakers.
Community Meeting: KLCB requests a public meeting with city officials, the vendor (Outdoor Vending Solutions), and Lake Como residents to address safety concerns and gather community input on future decisions impacting the park.
Lake Como Stands United
The concerns expressed in this grievance letter are shared by the broader Lake Como community. We are committed to working with the City of Fort Worth to ensure that public safety and community engagement are prioritized moving forward. Lake Como is a resilient neighborhood, and KLCB will continue to advocate for its well-being.
We trust that the City of Fort Worth understands the gravity of this situation and will take immediate action to address the concerns raised.
Contact Us
Shavina "Miss Peacock" Taylor
Program Manager, Keep Lake Como Beautiful (KLCB)
Phone: 682.382.1224
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