[Mpls] Jordan Park berms

[David Brauer]

I noticed the Strib story the other day about possibly removing earthen 
berms around Jordan Park, because they can shield criminals and the 
like...

It made me recall a similar experience in my own Kingfield 
neighborhood. Shortly before we moved there in 1994, King Park was 
redesigned to reduce berm-like visual obstructions, also to get more 
"eyes on the park" and reduce crime.

Although I never lived there during the "berm" days, what I heard was 
that the new, more open topography was a big success. The 
neighborhood's subsequent gentrification no doubt helps the perception 
of safety, but the lesson from King Park seems to be that opening up 
the park is a great idea.

Perhaps Kingfield older-timers such as Steve Brandt can add actual 
experience. But I thought folks on the North Side might like to be 
aware that there's some South Side history they can draw on if they 
like.

David Brauer
Kingfield