Wow. Occupy has been camping in the parks for quite some time (a year), but I’ve never seen anything like this . . . the campers I talked to had no idea what this is about . . . and I’m kinda creeped out by it.
This wasn’t sent to me . . . but the person that is was sent to wants to know why it was sent to them and what they are supposed to do about it.
I wanted you to be aware that we had an issue last night (early morning) at the Mendota County Park campground regarding the occupy campsite. My information is sketchy at this time. Apparently, there was a disturbance that woke many of the other campers within the campground. They became concerned for their safety and the safety of the people on the occupy campsite. Concerned campers made our staff aware of the situation today. The Sheriff’s Dept. was called to investigate, but I was informed that the campers and many of the people that observed the incident had already left the campground prior to the deputy’s arrival.
I was also informed that campers that caused the problems may be going to go to Token Creek Campground. I am not aware of who the campers are.
Parks does not have the staffing levels to monitor our campgrounds 24/7. It was agreed that everyone using our parks and campgrounds must follow the park rules if they want to use the facilities. If you have any communications with these campers please make them aware that the disruptive campers must leave the campgrounds.
I will continue to collect information and take actions if I become aware of who these people are. Thanks for your assistance.
Darren
Darren Marsh
Parks Division
Dane County Land and Water Resources Department
Seriously sketchy. What the heck is this?
It’s like me saying my neighbors dog was barking last night when another dog walked by and it disturbed me and I become afraid that the dog might bite the other dog or someone on the street and I just wanted you to know – the dog may or may not have been visiting from across the street and I heard it might be gone now, but if you see my neighbors, let them know that we might call their landlord who can’t monitor the situation 24/7 and that they might get a 5-day notice and be asked to leave. Of course, I don’t know if it was the neighbor on Mifflin or Hancock, but if you see them, let them know, ok? Oh, and I was so concerned, I didn’t call anyone to help at the time, but I waited to report it and someone will look into it – but I will take action if I find out more information.
More seriously, of all the “disturbances” that the Occupy camp has endured, this seems to be one of the more minor ones as I didn’t hear about it from anyone at camp today. Of course, from the email above, I can’t really tell what the heck allegedly happened or what the park violation might be or who might be involved. It feels like people were afraid because there was a black man at camp. How concerned about the safety of people could they have been if they waited til the next day, when people were gone, to call the sheriff and report it to parks staff?
How is my friend supposed to respond to this? And why? He can’t control a set of adults camping in a park miles from his home – why not just talk to the campers directly? Tell them yourself. Or take the cowards way out and write them a memo like you usually do.
I see a warning that disruptive people who caused concern at another campsite may be headed your way, that everyone has to obey park rules, and help us figure out who they are. I of course don’t know more than that, but maybe be prepared for the possibility of disruption. I know someone who moved to the country to have quiet country living and found out 1/4 of his neighbors were outlaws hiding out. You never know who will show up and have little protection in the tents. I’m not saying this will happen, just something to think about.
This is a hotspot. It’s a vulnerable hotspot for the people who call themselves “OCCUPY” not just the “acceptable” people; therefore the excuse of not having resources to ensure safety for “Occupy” or others is unacceptable. The writer of the e mail uses vague innuendo to spread fear on “Occupy” and if they had allocated help and support out there the e mail may have been less vague. One thing the city could do is offer support so that “Occupy” members are safe as well as the “acceptable” so this stereotyping stops fueling fear and pointless chatter.