A few concerns about the criteria for the cage

Dear Editor,

The artist rendition of the recreational area at the middle school featured in the Red Oak Express on February 22, 2011, was nicely done. The project to update the “cage” area is long overdue and will be welcome.

While pleasing to the eye of the passer-by, the basic criteria for project design (form, fit, function) has been overshadowed by aesthetics.

Keeping in mind that this is an area for the community's youth, this proposal has failed to meet the basic criteria in the following areas:

—Approximately 1/3 of the available space is set aside for spectators.

—Lighting is a “maybe” rather than a “must.”

—The entrance walkway maze will be a collection place for leaves, trash and other debris.

—Not enough entrance/egress routes.

—Creates a nightmare for snow removal and weed control.

—Lack of trash containers.

—No surface games.

Last but not least; has anyone consulted the end-user?

Sincerely,
Robert W. Schafer