As a resident and/or stakeholder of downtown Winston-Salem I respectfully petition the City of Winston-Salem to temporarily remove the tables and chairs currently placed in Merschel Park while evaluating a long term solution to the issues below. While I appreciate the intent to foster community engagement through public seating, I believe these furnishings have led to unintended negative consequences that diminish the park’s accessibility, safety, and overall experience.

Specifically, the following issues have been observed:

• Obstruction of pedestrian flow: The tables and chairs often block key walkways, making it difficult for visitors, especially those with mobility challenges, to navigate the park safely.
• Congregation and loitering concerns: The seating areas have become hotspots for prolonged gatherings that sometimes result in noise disturbances and littering, detracting from the park’s intended atmosphere of tranquility. Furniture encourages long stays by individuals engaging in disruptive or non-recreational behavior.
• Unintended congregation zones: These areas can become informal hangouts that deter families or other park users.
• Noise disturbances: Groups gathering around seating areas may generate excessive noise, especially during late hours.
• Curfew violations: Regularly observe curfew violations with individuals resting or sleeping at the tables.
• Expanded use of police and city personnel: Increased responsibility to patrol, and intercede in park disturbances.
• Regularly observe urination, defecation, alcohol use, drug use, fighting and drug sales
• Maintenance challenges: The furniture requires frequent upkeep, and when left unattended, it contributes to visual clutter and deteriorates the overall aesthetic of the park.

Merschel Park is a beautiful and symbolic space in our downtown, and I believe its design should reflect both accessibility and intentional use. I urge the city to remove the tables and chairs or relocate them to a more suitable area within the city.

By signing this petition, I affirm our support for this request and encourage city officials to take prompt action.