A lark in the park

Everybody loves a day in the park, but it seems some...er...love it more than others.

Litter from sexual activity is unpleasantly evident in High Bridge and People's parks, reflecting years of lewd conduct in the open air, police and park officials say.

Discarded underwear, lubrication packets and condoms are regularly found in the bushes, and Officer Jennifer DeRuwe says police have received a growing number of complaints.

"It's just kind of one of those knowns in Spokane," DeRuwe said.

"We've been aware of it for a number of years," said Mike Stone, city parks and recreation director.

[...]

A 22-year-old park worker who asked not to be named out of fear for his safety and his $11-an-hour position said that in two months on the job, he has been propositioned, has seen evidence of public sexual activity and now warns unwary visitors attracted by a new disc golf course and a new bicycle trail link.

"I tell them, 'Don't let your kids go in there,'" he said.

Supervisors have advised the worker to wear clothing identifying him as a parks employee, said Tony Madunich, assistant parks and recreation manager.

Well, that ought to work. Except for the parks employee fetishists. They'll just get all hot and bothered.

Anyway, several Spokane officials are quoted in the article as basically saying "Eh, what can you do?" Which is refreshing, since most public officials these days seem hellbent on abridging our constitutional freedom to have dirty, nasty sex with strangers in public places. I swear, Thomas Jefferson must be spinning in his grave.