Sexual assaults in park prompt signs to promote safety

A Lawrence agency that advocates for victims of sex crimes wants to post signs along the wooded trails of Naismith Valley Park in response to a series of sexual assaults there.

GaDuGi SafeCenter, formerly known as Rape Victim Survivor Service, is working with police and city parks officials to develop a sign campaign to raise awareness of safety issues at the park, 1400 W. 27th St.

There have been at least five attempted or completed sexual assaults along the park’s trails since July 2002 — most recently on June 5 when a stranger lured a 5-year-old girl away from another child and tried to remove her pants.

Details of the sign campaign and its costs are still in the works, said Sarah Jane Russell, the agency’s executive director, but the notices could be up as soon as this fall. Russell likened the idea to putting up “Neighborhood Watch” signs.

“The goal is to inform others that you have a right to be safe in your parks and just to be aware of their surroundings,” Russell said. “‘Stay strong. Stay smart. Stay safe.’ Those are some of the messages.”

Mark Hecker, parks superintendent for Lawrence Parks & Recreation, said the city supported what Russell’s agency was trying to do. City parks officials planned to meet with the agency last week, but the meeting was rescheduled.

“The basic idea is good. We just need more details on what, where and how,” Hecker said.

Police responded to the most recent assault by adding bike patrols to the park and asking patrol officers to pay extra attention to the area.

Neighborhood and other groups are being encouraged to adopt and watch parts of Naismith Valley Park. If your group wants to help, call GaDuGi SafeCenter at 843-8985.

Russell said another way to send a message that the park was being watched would be for neighborhood or other groups to adopt parts of it. Interested groups can contact the GaDuGi SafeCenter at 843-8985.

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