A new phrase debuted at the Green Park Board of Aldermen’s Sept. 15 meeting: “Karens over kids.”
This was said by longtime resident Ron Laszewski following the board’s decision to officially ban basketball hoops in the city’s right-of-ways.
Though a recent hot topic for the small city, the debate over basketball hoops in Green Park’s right-of-ways started in spring 2021. At that time, a Suanis Court resident erected an in-ground basketball hoop at the back of the curb. Despite the hoop being technically temporary –– the pole was able to be removed from the in-ground base –– the in-ground base was, as implied, in the ground, and in the city right-of-way.
The city got wind of the situation from a neighbor’s complaint, and started tallying the number of hoops in right-of-ways throughout Green Park; 37 portable units were discovered, with the majority located in the city’s right-of-way. Permits allowing such structures were denied to all residents who applied, and all residents with hoops were given citation letters. Despite this, six hoops remained, though the owners of said hoops were issued a court summons.
Things died down surrounding the hoops until late 2023, when newcomers to town, Rick and Christina Serina, became involved with the situation. They, along with their six children, have remained some of the fiercest advocates for allowing the hoops, coining their own slogan, “Let the Children Play” last spring.
Since 2023, Rick Serina has addressed the board multiple times in an attempt to come up with a solution to benefit all. He even worked with an attorney to provide the city an ordiance for consideration. This ordinance, which added a new section to the city’s municipal code pertaining to basketball equipment on public right-of-way, was on the recent meeting’s agenda, alongside an ordinance fully prohibiting recreation equipment on public right-of-way. The aldermen were to decide which to pass. Before a vote was held, however, the Serinas pleaded their case one last time.
Christina Serina emphasized her background in neuromedicine and how technology can have detrimental effects on children. She also addressed a comment made by Ward 1 Alderman Carol Hamilton at the board’s August meeting.
“(She) claims that children congregating and playing basketball can disturb the sleep of those who work nights. As a night nurse myself, we all know that we are the ones with a different schedule. I can’t expect everyone to change their lives because I work nights. That’s not a legitimate reason to change a long-standing policy.”
Rick Serina added that though the board cites safety as a concern, insurance does not consider it a serious liabilty.
“Our insurance company is so unconcerned with the safety issue that it will offer us a $3 million liability policy for a grand total of $100 a year,” he said.
Despite the passionate pleas heard during public comment, the board skipped over Bill No. 920A, the proposed ordinance provided by Serina, and, without further discussion, Hamilton made a motion to approve Bill No. 920B, banning any sort of recreation equipment, including hoops, in right-of-ways. Ward 3 Alderman Marty Finn seconded Hamilton’s motion. After it was read twice, the board voted unanimously in favor of the bill, turning it into an official ordinance.
As usual, a second opportunity for the public to speak was allowed towards the end of the meeting. In response to the board’s decision, the Serinas, Laszewski and two other members of the Green Park community – Ashley McCusker and Cyril Loum – spoke, expressing their discouragement and disappointment. Each received a round of applause from the audience following their statements.
Aside from Hamilton and Christina Serina’s short, tense back-and-forth, the board did not acknowledge these comments, and went into a closed session.
“You can’t even look me in the eye and explain your reasoning,” Rick Serina said.