Problems in the park

Playground equipment had been left empty this spring as the increasing fear of crime was keeping families away from Galloway Park, but local residents hope that is changing. -- Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

One nighborhood in Austin has its park back from a string of shady activity after one mother took a stand

Anybody who lives in one southwest Austin neighborhood knows just how hectic problems at Galloway Park have been, but those troubles may be over.

Now, that community is once again enjoying its neighborhood.

Playground equipment had been left empty this spring as the increasing fear of crime was keeping families away from Galloway Park, but local residents hope that is changing.

During the past years — at certain times more than others — issues were well documented in the park. Many residents say drug dealing and liquor consumption were obvious. Locals complained about youngsters, ages 11 to at least 21, staying after hours, harassing park goers and residents and blocking the streets. Some remember a garbage fire last fall, a crowd that formed for a fight this spring, and even someone cat-calling at an elderly lady.

One woman had enough.

“I was just fed up,” said Terrie Hallman, who has lived across the street for 12 years.

Hallman watched as police increased patrols in the area while suspicious activity reached its highest point this spring.

“There would be some days I would tell them, ‘no, you can’t go,’” Hallman said about allowing her children at the park.

Well aware of what was happening, Hallman grabbed her video camera. She recorded swearing, gang signs and plenty of activity a woman living with a husband and four children across the street doesn’t want to see. It worked.

Hallman showed the video to police and even KAAL TV, which put footage on air. One day later, the park was more like it should be: quiet and peaceful. City workers removed a graffiti-carved picnic table that day — a popular spot for suspected crime — and that has seemed to help, as well.

Kim Underwood, Austin Parks and Recreation Director, said other neighborhoods deal with park problems from year to year, too — especially in the spring. But nothing like Galloway’s problems this spring.

“We had a lot of calls for that park,” she said.

Underwood, like others, is now hearing how the park is improving. However, those who see it every day can really tell what difference a couple, simple initiatives have made.

“You really can’t believe how much it changed in one day,” said Terrie’s husband, Bill Hallman.

Residents are slowly letting their children return to the park, but not all of them. Some still fear crime may remain in the neighborhood — like one woman who still refuses to let her son go. Police Capt. Dave McKichan hopes that changes.

“I’m hopeful that some of these issues have resolved,” he said.

McKichan added a community looking out for itself, notifying authorities and working together is the strongest defense against crime.

“That’s the biggest thing,” McKichan said. “It’s got to be a partnership.”

Now some locals shine spotlights on the park when people are there after hours, and they call police when something isn’t right. They want Galloway to be enjoyable, clean, and drug- and harassment-free, like dozens of other parks around Austin.

“The bottom line is Austin has a great park system, and we want everybody to be able to use it,” McKichan said.

Local Government

City Council approves moving final 2024 tax levy forward at Truth and Taxation meeting

News

Las Vegas sheriff says at least 3 victims in university campus shootings, though conditions unknown

Mower County

HI scientists take part in study investigating antibody that could neutralize poliovirus

News

Kevin McCarthy was booted as House speaker two months ago. Now he’s leaving Congress by year’s end

News

Minnesota budget forecast is steady, but with potential trouble ahead

News

Feds to take bite of Minnesota tax rebates under ‘disappointing’ new determination

Mower County

In Your Community: County’s Harren Gjersik honored

Mower County

Convictions: Nov. 20-27

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

MnDOT’s annual Name a Snowplow contest returns for fourth year

Agriculture

Online applications now open for Minnesota’s 2024 Industrial Hemp Program

News

Emblems panel won over by call of the loon as state bird to grace Minnesota seal

News

Minnesota cities grapple with costs of removing PFAS from drinking water

LeRoy/Ostrander Cardinals

Knights charge past Cardinal girls

Mower County

Austin man suffers life threatening injuries from early morning rollover

Mower County

Austin police looking for woman who stole from business

Mower County

City Council moves Austin Utilities service expansion out of work session

Education

Bed bugs discovered at AHS, steps taken to treat the issue

Mower County

Dazzling holiday: Mayor King helps judge decorating contest at Comforcare

News

Law enforcement identify man killed in landslide at Minnesota state park

News

OxyContin maker’s bankruptcy deal goes before the Supreme Court, with billions of dollars at stake

News

Israel orders evacuations as it widens offensive but Palestinians are running out of places to go

News

Bowling Green to take on Minnesota in Quick Lane Bowl, Gophers seek seventh consecutive bowl win

News

‘Pick it up’: New Minnesota law aims to curb litter left on ice