City officials are prepared to rethink the Pogonip master plan in order to combat the drug dealers and homeless camps that call the park home. Over the past few years, the park’s reputation has caused many joggers and nature lovers to avoid it, and budgetary constraints make the cost of maintaining more park rangers there prohibitive. The new plan is based on the assumption that increasing usage by the general public would force the undesirable elements out. “You gotta bring the public in,” says Chief Ranger John Wallace.
Among the features being considered is a new trail connecting Golf Club Drive with Highway 9. The SCPD is also prepared to increase its patrols of the area. There are, however, other hurdles to be overcome as well. Given Santa Cruz’s financial state, some wonder whether there will be enough funding available to construct a new trail. Even if City Council approves it in theory, some suspect that it will also receive opposition from environmental groups. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
