To the editor:

Will we ever see an end to the horror that is Rock Chalk Park?

I am not referring to the structure itself, even though it is literally coming apart at the seams after less than of year of operation. What galls me is the dubious reassurance of city staff and all but one commissioner that we needn’t worry, because, after all, the city “got such a good deal” on it. This is about as convincing as the line a used-car salesman of the old school might lay on a customer to whom he has just sold a lemon.

Meanwhile, unpleasant surprises about the ill-starred project’s financing, construction and integrity keep coming in. And, unlike most controversial city undertakings, this one has not passed into grudging acceptance by the public but has sprouted coattails and strode forth to sweep aside everything in its wake. It may be argued that the specter of RCP played the spoiler’s role in the recent defeat of the sales tax issue to enhance police facilities. Neighborhoods trust the city even less to represent their interests; taxpayers are leery of any new city project.

It would be nice if the city could simply divest its interest in the fiasco, but it’s too late for that. What is needed is for city government to put this issue behind them and move on. Municipal elections this spring could be a step in that direction. But if they fail to do so, the stylized bird “phoenix rising,” said to be the symbol of Lawrence, will be rightfully perceived as an albatross instead.