Several neighbors have reported parking issues during events at the Playland Skate Center (8822 McCann). The issues occur when rollerderby matches are held, one Sunday a month. Two matches have been held so far this year, and another match will be held this Sunday, April 25, at 6:30 pm.
Although the Texas Rollergirls have held their matches at the rink for several years, the parking situation has been particularly bad this year. Last week, Traffic Committee Chair Dallas Maham and I met with Playland owner Pete Morin to discuss the neighborhood concerns. I’ve also been corresponding with a representative from Texas Rollergirls about our concerns.
We identified several possible causes of the increased parking problems. One is that event attendance is up slightly over recent years. Another is that Republic Print & Mail used to offer free overflow parking, but is now charging a fee, so people are less likely to use it. Finally, in years past a volunteer was posted on McCann to direct people out of the neighborhood to the overflow parking, which did not happen this year.
Mr. Morin said he would work with the rollerderby organizers to post a volunteer who will help direct traffic out of the neighborhood.
I am hopeful that the parking issues can be resolved. I believe both Playland and the Texas Rollergirls try to be good neighbors. We’ve had no recent reports of noise, litter or vandalism from skating-related event crowds. I hope our recent discussions will lead to the necessary actions to reduce neighborhood parking problems.
A cooperative solution is best for all of us. The public does have the right to use on-street parking, which sometimes can be an inconvenience to us. For instance, I see very heavy parking on Stanwood during activities at Pillow such as soccer matches. That’s one of the trade-offs for living in a neighborhood with exciting things going on.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean cars will be allowed to park illegally, create a safety hazard or impede emergency vehicle routes. Your association will work to prevent that.
I suggest that neighbors near McCann keep a watch on the derby schedule, and be prepared for heaver traffic one Sunday a month. It’s always going to be busy on rollerderby night. I hope we can maintain safe access and passage on the streets during those times.
I’d be interested in hearing about your experience this Sunday evening, and whether we see fewer parking problems. Please share your observations and suggestions on our Yahoo Group, or contact me directly at president@nscna.org, 512-573-5174.
Chip Rosenthal
NSCNA President
