"He walked across the street toward the court with a baseball bat in hand."

Over swearwords? Really? This person sounds like he is just looking for a fight. Not the kind of neighbor I would want in my neighborhood.

As someone who lives in front of the basketball courts, I can tell you for a fact that the swearing and the fighting is coming from the basketball courts. I won't allow my three kids to play in the backyard anymore because of the yelling and foul language. The problem with Kauffman Park is that it's isolated and can't be seen from any main streets. Also, the courts are not consistently supervised, which the basketball group promised to do. The players throw trash into our yards and do not respond well to being asked nicely to stop. If Lakewood is going to have basketball courts, put them all over the city so that our two hoops in a small hidden park up against resident properties is the only place for our city youth to play.

I can tell you from experience that I have seen for myself how disrespectful these kids can be. My house is right next to Mr. Schelgunov's and we have been to council meetings in the past to complain about violence and language in the park. This isn't a new issue; the basketball hoops are a continuance of a problem that the park has been having for years.

With the demolition of Little Links, we had noticed an improvement not only to the park aesthetics, but also to the behaviors of teens in the park. While the sound fence may be a solution to the noise, it will not solve the root of the problem.

We were told when the basketball hoops went in that they would be monitored by a supervisor at all times when the hoops were open. I can tell you as an eye-witness that the hoops are not consistently monitored. We, as neighbors of the park, feel that we were not given accurate information when the hoops were originally proposed. While I support the idea of providing teens with a safe environment to play sports, we haven't been given much assurance that we can trust the folks running this program.

While I wouldn't personally have walked over with a baseball bat, I understand why Kim took protection with him. We have had kids in the park in the past threaten us with violence and have reported this to the police. Kim is an excellent neighbor, one with whom I would trust my own children.

I hope this situation gets handled expeditiously.

Melanie Shearer

I seriously doubt Mr. Schelgunov took a baseball bat with him with any intent of actually using it ... (other than in self defense... and who knows what these kids a "packing.")

While I am 100% in favor of a (safe/organized/monitored) outdoor basketball program, I suggest a moratorium on LOBC activities until LOBC can assure Lakewood citizens that the games will be properly officiated/monitored.

We, as a community/society, also need to look at the root of the problem. This issue is NOT about kids playing basketball in an unruly way. That is merely a symptom. Disrespectful behavior is a manifestation of much deeper/serious ills.

With the money shortfall the City is experiencing, why would constructing a sound barrier, adding security cameras and paying supervisors be expended on this project? Wouldn't that money be better spent on something more pressing than outdoor basketball?

I would just like to clarify the fact that the agreement of the pilot program was to have the court monitored during PEAK hours - not ALL hours. Typical hours are from 4-8pm.

Also, the supervisors do not wear any type of uniform. Instead, they are often in their late twenties and participate in games with the children/teens (i.e. they blend in).

We certainly do not condone swearing, and we put an end to it if we ever hear any swearing taking place at the courts. As mentioned multiple times in others' replies listed above, basketball is not the root cause of swearing. It is a moral issue that affects all classes, sports, ages, and however else you'd like to divvy up our society. Though our basketball courts are a great way to positively influence our society by allowing our supervisors to consistently speak against swearing, I do not think the topic of 'basketball in Lakewood' is the most efficient forum to challenge our society's struggles with swearing. Certainly, we can commit to the restriction of illegal activities occurring on our courts, but as long as swearing is not against the law, I do not believe it's realistic to PROMISE that no one will ever swear on a basketball court in Lakewood, OH (just as no other organization could make that promise on any other portion of geography).

It is more than just swear words. The kids playing basketball at 10:30 on a Friday night were disrespectful, defiant and spoke back to Mr. Schelgunov with ill regard. Mr. Schelgunov walked over there to discuss the matter and took the baseball bat for his own protection. I am the one that telephoned the police with the complaint that the boys were still playing after hours and I am also the one that called the police immediatly after my husband, Mr. Schelgunov, encountered the verbal confrontation with the teenagers. They were clearly teenagers because they got into an SUV type vehicle and drove away. When the police arrived, they questioned Mr. Schelgunov and also said that it was wrong to show up with a baseball bat for which Mr. Schelgunov apologized. The police also indicated that Mr. Schelgunov could have been shot as they have seen some of the kids that go there to the courts. This is what is in our backyards everyday.

Memorial Day Weekend, I was planting flowers in my front yard and a three boys roughly ages 10-12 were walking up the street. One was saying, "Is that the lady? Is that the lady that keeps complaining?". I know they are being told by LOBC that I am the one causing the problems and complaints. Truly, those young boys are not the ones that I have ever had to call and complain about. Those young boys are the ones that are being hurt by the uncontrollable, unruly, disrespectful, teenagers that own the court back there.

Memorial Day, I was having a picnic with my family. It was more than 4 letter f-bombs that were being shouted out. I will refrain from posting it here but my young children questioned me "what ______ was"? Not one person from the LOBC was a present figure supervising the courts on the holiday.
There comes a point where one must decide, is this the behavior and language that my preschoolers, my family, myself, and my neighbors should be exposed to on a daily basis? I can't even go out in my yard and water the garden without hearing some obscenity coming from the courts.

There comes a point where the city must decide, is this the behavior and language that we want to encourage and allow to be displayed within our city parks? Is this the behavior and language that we will allow our city youth to utilize? Sure more kids are in the park, but is this really acceptable to expose other park visitors or resident neighbors to this racous behavior and language. By sitting back and doing nothing about the problem is assuring the youth that we are accepting it.

When will we become role models and step up to better our society and teach our youth the disappearing concept of respect?

"The American city should be a collection of communities where every member has a right to belong. It should be a place where every man feels safe on his streets and in the house of his friends. It should be a place where each individual's dignity and self-respect is strengthened by the respect and affection of his neighbors. It should be a place where each of us can find the satisfaciton and warmth which comes from being a member of the community of man. This is what man sought at the dawn of civilzation. It is what we seek today."

-QUOTE- by Lyndon B. Johnson

If neighbors, such as the Schelgunov's, want a resolution, rather than being so REACTIVE to the courts being located where they are, perhaps a more PROACTIVE approach would be more suitable. Coming up with a solution as a community, such as what the best locations for another court would be, and ways to raise funds so that Kaufmann is not the only court in the area. By criticizing an organization aimed at improving the health of the community, instead of constructively working together to make Lakewood one of the best suburbs around, we will get nowhere.

Grouping the kids, teens, and adults that play at the court as "punks" and saying they need to made examples of is just as intolerable as the swearing that goes on at the courts.
Just as the

I reiterate: I am 100% in favor of an outdoor basketball program. I spent my entire childhood in Little League Baseball, Pee-Wee Football and Bantam League Basketball programs and am fully aware of the MANY benefits of youth sports and the life lessons and skill that can be learned through participating in such activities.

I am not trying to vilify LOBC (as I believe it is a VERY well-intended effort) nor do I want LOBC to fold up and go away. I completely understand that LOBC is in its infancy ... a Pilot Program. And with any pilot program, there are "tweeks" and "fine tuning" to be made. Given the rise of these very serious/dangerous recent incidents, however, it appears that there are still things that need to be "worked out." I only suggest a moratorium on LOBC activities until LOBC officials and City officials (whether they be at the City Council or City Department (Recreation?) level, meet to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding under which this pilot program is operating.

I would also like to clarify to Mr. Tadic that I do not assert or suggest that "basketball is the root cause of swearing." My contention is that unruly, disrespectful, lawless behavior is the result of what I consider the root problem: poor parenting skills; their ability to instill good values in their children; etc. The basketball court is merely a platform for the behavior.

I would love being a part of any formal or informal discussion regarding this matter.

I would be interested to know if LOBC holds regular public meetings and when the next one is scheduled. I could not find that information on the LOBC website.

I've been reading the discussion about basketball courts in lakewood and it seems like the group that is against kids playing sports in this public forum is dancing arond their real issue. I grew up in Lakewood and then left for a few years, when I came back things were much different. I've seen the guys playing basketball and I think I know why people are making such a big deal about this. It's because the majority of the players are black. Who carries a bat when asking someone to keep the noise down? I'll tell you who, someone who is afraid. Times they are a changing. If this was the pre civil right era you would make separate but equal courts, since it's not you take away the simple joy we all had as kids to play competitive sports with the neighborhood. And whats worse is that our local elected leaders are so close minded that they acted on the opinion of someone who carries a bat to " talk" to kids. Maybe we should all start carrying these talking sticks.

@ Mark - "they acted on the opinion of someone who carries a bat"? What actions have "local elected leaders" taken other than listen to the concern of three of its citizens who had the common sense to bring this matter up in a public forum (a city council meeting)?

Please re-read this article ... as it say that among the plans, the city is REVIEWING the effectiveness of a sound screen and CONSIDERING a review of the park’s hours of operation and adding security cameras. You are concerned about REVIEWING and CONSIDERING??

Your form of vigilante justice ("Maybe we should all start carrying these talking sticks") frankly, scares me.

@Claire - I have attended numerous meetings on this issue. In fact, I am on the board of Kaufmann Park Friends. In every meeting, I have voiced our concerns and suggested solutions to Dru Siley, LOBC, and our elected council people. I have attend council meetings, and I know most of our elected officials. I have worked hard to improve that park. You can thank our neighbors for the improvements that have happened so far, including Little Links clean-up and the community garden.

@Mark - Really? Seriously? The troublemakers come from a rainbow of colors. Come hang out there for a while. You'll see.

I think it is important for everyone on both sides of the issue to understand that we are all looking for a resolution to the issue so that the LOBC program can continue and that residents are treated with respect. It may appear that those of us that are expressing concerns about language, trash...etc, are against the entire idea of having the LOBC program. That is definitely not the case.

What we want is to be able to take our children outside (BTW, there are 9 children under the age of 12 that live in the houses that back the courts.) and not have to constantly filter what our children are hearing and seeing. We want to be able to enjoy our backyards without hearing about, "Your ho," or, "C@#ks#ckers." We want to be able to have a conversation and not be interrupted with, "F#ck you!" This isn't really too much to ask.

We want activities like the LOBC program to flourish. However, these programs have to be carried out in areas where foul mouths, disrespect of the neighbors and throwing trash is not tolerated or accepted. If this is truly a pilot program, then let's use this feedback to make the program work. Obviously the current location isn't working for the residents, but reportedly is working fantastically for the LOBC program.

Easy fix: Move it to an open area that is visible. LOBC will be happy; residents will be happy. The kids get their exercise; the residents get their peace and quiet.

Personally, I think that manyof the concerns that the neighbors, including myself could be solved simply, and inexpensively by doing what the neighbors were told would happen, with some slight modifications. This is a quote from an e-mail that I received from Dru Siley, Assistant Director of Planning for the City of Lakewood:

"Two (side by side) half court hoops installed on the eastern side of the tennis courts at Kauffman, access to the fenced courts would have restricted hours - 10:00am -8:00pm -and the gates to the courts would be locked at other times. In addition, the Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee (LOBC) a local non-profit organization made up of Lakewood residents, will regularly staff and supervise the use of the courts in the evenings. "

In addition to this, I was happy to see a placard next to the door containing the rules of the court. On this sign, one of the rules clearly states that the use of foul language is prohibited.

As a solution, here is what I propose:
1.) For a limited time, say one or two months, access to the courts should be restricted to those times when the court is monitored by the LOBC. There is a lock on the door, and this is easy enough to do.
2.) Put up a sign stating that due to consistant violations of the posted rules, the City of Lakewood has decided to restrict the court access to those times when the courts can be monitored. This might prompt some of the people entering the courts to actually read the rules, and realize that there are indeed consequences to breaking them. For everyone. This might even foster an attitued of self policing among the court goers.
3.) Enforce the posted rules. As many of my neighbors have pointed out, much of the problems occur in the evening, during times that we were ensured the courts would be monitored. I have, on several occasions, witnessed this behavior myself. Never once have I seen anyone ejected from the courts, or reprimanded in any way.

Like many of my neighbors, I want this program to succeed, but not to the detriment of my family's life, or indeed, my own property value. When I moved in to my home, I considered the park next to my back yard an asset. It is quickly becoming a liability.

Clearly, something has gone operationally awry with this well-intended organization (LOBC). Since it is a private 501(c)(3) not for profit organization http://lobc.org/, it only has to follow the dictates of its Board and apparently has no further oversight. I am not here to bash LOBC. I am here to encourage all parties involved - LOBC, the City, and citizens - to quickly resolve these issues before anything "gets out of hand." I do not claim to be a crisis resolution expert, but rather a level-headed proponent of equitable, common-sense solution. .. and I offer my service as a unbiased mediator should anyone feel that this is a direction this situation needs to go.

I am encouraged as the article states, "But Summers said that basketball is here to stay."

I am (and will continue to be) a supporter of LOBC as it seems unthinkable not to allow youth andyoung adults to play at a public park. It appears from many of the responses that it is a personal opinion against basketball in general. Kaufman Park was home to tennis courts at one point in time and unfortunately they were rarely used. Little Links was also sadly "demolished." Lakewood now has life back in that park and perhaps Lakeland neighbors should remember that they did choose to live near a public spot.

I find it unsettling that a grown adult found it necessary to carry a bat to attempt to get his point across to children/young adults. If we want to teach our children the difference between right and wrong and respect for individuals they eccounter, I beg to differ that this was the best approach. As far as the need to explain to your children what an inappropriate word MEANS, sometimes the best answer is 'it's a bad word.' My children (as all children will at some point) have heard vulgar language at school, from neighborhood children and at parks, and have so far been satisfied with that answer.

I anticipate seeing more hoops being placed among the parks in Lakewood as I agree that it should not be centralized in one area. Every big accomplishment requires small steps and I hope that this pilot study is not stopped due to opinions of such a small number.

I am a teacher and I hear many of my students excited about playing basketball. That is all they are doing is playing! I am very sick of society taking things away from good people and kids because of a few. I do not think that any resident should be subjected to negative language and behavior, no matter where they live. However, when you decide to buy a home next to a park, I would not expect quiet. Also, on a positive note, every time I pass the courts, I see kids happy and playing. They are not acting as horrible as some of the comments mentioned. Again, it is really sad that neighbors are claiming that the basketball players might have weapons on them! I think there are some deep rooted stereotypes here and that is the real problem.

Ms. Shearer,

My response about stereotypes is mainly referenced for one of your other neighbors that menioned the kids look like they carry guns. She has also referenced the children as "undesirables," "ghetto," and other terms in previous letters I have read. That is what upsets me. My comment also comes from the fact that I am clueless why LOBC is getting blamed for everything. SO yes, I am feeling that the neighbors of Lakeland might be being dramatic and untruthful because certain ones have been nothing but rude and disrepectful to LOBC members and kids since the very very beginning of this ordeal. I feel that some neighbors planned on only looking for negative issues and not looking at anything positive. I pass the courts very often and know the LOBC members well and I am hearing and seeing the very opposite of what you are claiming. No, I would not let these things go on in my room, but LOBC does not either. My point is stop blaming them for being active citizens. What I also do not like to do to my students is take away incentives or positive things from all just b/c of a few. I already see that in schools and I think its wrong. In other words, we have to creatively find a solution to the problem, not play a blame game and not take away basketball for all.

I will not ignore my connection with them because I know they are good and honest people. I have wathced how dedicated they are to the community, I trust them. They have spent tons of time raising almost $3, 000 for outdoor recreation and doing the best they can with the location given to them. I also know that they do kick kids out of the courts if inappropriate language is used. You must not be seeing that! However, Mrs Shelgunov agreed with the police officer about that comment and said, "that is what is in our backyard." But again this is a he said, she said issue. From what I heard the police officer made no comment like that. What you are not aware of (b/c no resident has nicely or calmly spoken to LOBC members) is that they have been meeting on numerous occasions with school members and the Mayor to explore other options. They have designed plans and ideas for more outdoor courts and to open schools up in the summer for more open gyms. They are not ignoring your concerns!!! I also witnessed the behavior of opponents to the courts at the "Courtside Meeting" in APril. I literally saw residents screaming at the Mayor. Therefore, I have tried to listen to residents concerns, but it was not welcoming. And we are saying the kids are disrespectful?

I searched all the posts in this discussion thread carefully (twice) and only found the words "ghetto" or "undesirable" in a post by the person who claims that others included them in their posts. :( Please don't "stir the pot" with trumped up accusations.

If someone thinks that there is not gun activity amongst Lakewood kids, you are living in a fantasy world!! The "that-could-never-happen-in-our-town" belief is naive!

Meg, none of the neighbors are against LOBC or activities for kids in parks. Please read what people are stating and stop insinuating and assuming wrongful ideas about the neighborhood. What is disturbing is that the LOBC continues to meet with the Mayor and City Officiails but LOBC has yet to actually meet with the people of the neighborhood to openly discuss some possible resolution to the wrongful behavior and language issue. As for my letters (which were not addressed to you but please give me your address and I will be glad to add you to my email list), I believe your comment above regarding my letter that you read was misread. You are a teacher? I stated that the language was ghetto not the kids....but the language. Some of the members of my family are also a minority and we deal with racist issues ourselves. How dare you even insinuate or assume that this is a race issue.

Mr. Grossetti,

I was not referring to the posts. The comments were made in 5 or 6 letters written. They are public record so I can look at them later and reference the numerous inappropriate comments. I am not stirring the pot. I have no desire to do that. I don't live in a fantasy world. But, I also don't say, "That kid looks like someone who would carry a gun." And no, I do not beleive that our children in our community are that dangerous.

meg - Thanks for the clarification regarding the letters vs. posts.

I still think there is a general misconception that LOBC is being "blamed for everything." The LARGE majority of people posting here seem to support LOBC and its mission. The issue - at least from what I can deduce - is that LOBC does not have the resources (time, people, money) to properly operate the basketball activities (i.e, courts not monitored by LOBC personnel when they said that the courts; courts not being closed/locked at the predetermined times; etc.

Perhaps someone can answer me one simple question: Are the courts at Kaufman Park unlocked ONLY when LOBC is scheduled to operate its basketball activities?

Missy - Thanks! (wow, I really posed that question awkwardly and may have even confused myself) You are saying the courts are always open?!?!??

Peter, from what I have seen, the courts are not always open, but they are not always monitored when they are open.

I guess I'm a bit confused then.

Are the courts designed to be open ONLY during pre-determined, agree-upon, published, LOBC-monitored hours of operation?

Are the courts supposed to be locked when LOBC is not operating them?

I have searched the LOBC website http://lobc.org/ for their Hours of Operations and have not found them. ((Their website does seem a bit outdated with such references: "Being a suburb to the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers (one of the world’s most elite clubs), there is no denying the fact that basketball is simply a part of our local identity. The stardom of Lebron James alone is sparking desires in the minds of our youth who are now asking for nothing more than an opportunity to try to make their dreams come true. "))

Does the City Recreation Department operate this Park (and courts) with LOBC being a “tenant”?

It is easy for people that do not have to deal with these issues on a near a daily basis to dismiss the complaints as those of "a few people." I would submit that these few are the most affected by the project. If the program is to be successful, this pilot program needs to act as a pilot program, and attempt to adjust its operations until it is successful for not only the people taking part, but the community as a whole, including the neighbors. Of course the LOBC is taking the brunt of the criticism, it is their program. They are responsible for putting in the hoops, they need to fulfill their responsibilities to the community by listening to the neighbors. The onus should not be upon the affected neighbors to come to LOBC to discuss issues. Community outreach needs to be an integral part of LOBC's operations if they truly seek to make this program a sucess. As of yet, I have not received anything from them. They seem to care only about the project participants, not the whole community. If they cannot adequately address the concearns of the neighbors of the hoops, then the program is doomed to fail. One has only to look at the reason why there were no hoops in Lakewood prior to the ones in discussion here. If the LOBC cannot make this program work, really work, then the hoops will inevitably suffer the same fate- and if the hoops continue to be a problem, then this would be the correct action!

The basketball courts are open daily from 10 to 8. Although there have been some recent incidents allowing the courts to remain open past the 8:00 p.m. closing time.

Meg, please do post my letters. All of my complaints are clearly listed in my emails and letters. If I didn't want my complaints known, then I would not be emailing my letters and complaints to so many City Officials and LOBC members.

Also, I don't believe anyone on this site or any one of my letters or emails to the City stated, ""That kid looks like someone who would carry a gun." I believe you are the only one that makes that comment on your above post.

Robert - you are 100% correct when you say "Community outreach needs to be an integral part of LOBC's operation." Part of any non-profit's mission is to serve as broad-based a constituency as possible and to be an advocate for their chosen "cause." Having worked in the not-for-profit sector for 20 year, I realize that such well-intended efforts are often carried out while "wearing blinders."

To those whose attitude is that they have not seen it, so it must not exist, I would say, "wake up." Of course when adults walk by the hoops they tone down the language, they are not stupid. It is only when they perceive no supervision that things get out of control. Our homes less than 50 yards away do not have the same affect. I have also read on here that the LOBC "monitors" may not be recognized because they are playing as well. I question this policy. What good is a monitor that nobody knows is there? If the monitor is involved in a game, how well could that person possibly be doing their job? Is that monitor really paying enough attention to what is going on in the other court to be affective? If the LOBC members are so dedicated to this project, then it should not be a problem to sit and watch the games and truly monitor them, instead of playing. A bright T-shirt proclaiming some semblence of authority would not hurt either. I want to see this program succeed, so I offer suggestions that I think could improve the program. I only hope that the LOBC really wants to improve the program as well. It should be obvious by the fact that more than half of the neighbors of the hoops have posted their issues in this thread that the the current operation is not successful. Again, I implore the LOBC to MEET WITH THE NEIGHBORS. We are not bad people. We are not petty trouble making nay-sayers. We are your neighbors and we are asking you to listen to us.

I am the mother of four young children(8 and under), and my oldest son is obsessed with playing basketball., it is all he ever wants to do.With that said, I hate the fact that Lakewood, a very sports driven community, had removed all basketball courts in the community, and was very happy to hear of the hoops being added to Kaufmann. Now, just imagine if all the softball fields were removed ?? , I have attended many bar sponsered softball events that have turned into cursing and even fighting matches, by adults. It is part of living by a park. It is a gathering spot, and unfortunately sometimes by not the most well behaved people. You need to learn to deal with it, it is not the basketball courts causing it, Kaufmann was that way before they were there, maybe now though they can release some energy and do something healthy and more productive. It is not illegal to swear , I know it is a nuisance and I wouldn't want it around my children either, but if they were in the park doing the same thing(with no basketball hoops) then what would be the excuse ? remove the park ?? There are probably a lot more people benefiting from those basketball hoops then it is hurting, and in my book that makes them a positive !!

Just to clarify: LOBC did not choose the location at Kauffman. And, just a few weeks ago LOBC held a courtside meeting to meet with neighbors, council people, the mayor and some of the kids that use the court.
Also, LOBC is working hard to volunteer our time and resources to monitor the courts, but clearly it is not sufficient to meet the needs and wants of the neighbors. We are looking for more volunteers to help staff the courts, so please feel free to contact committee@LOBC.org to volunteer for an hour or so. That way, we can adequately meet your requests.
And may I reiterate this park was NOT LOBC's choice as a place to start a pilot program. We are trying to raise the funds, because building a court costs money, to add another location in a more open public park.
It seems that many neighbors voicing concerns are beginning to nit-pick LOBC, referring to the website not being updated.
Please understand that LOBC is a group of volunteers committed to this program working, while being considerate of the Lakewood neighbors and we are doing our best, but it takes time, patience, cooperation, and support from the community.

Kelly,
Thank you for informing us that we need to learn to deal with it. Dealing with it, we are! We are in the process of working with the LOBC and our elected officials to find a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved.

No, it's not illegal to swear. Everyone keeps getting stuck on the swearing! It's also the litter, urination, fights, and disrespect to the neighbors.

Guess what! The park has had these issues even before the hoops went it, yet it was still chosen as the place to pilot this program. This was obviously not a decision that was well thought out.

Friends of Kauffman Park have been very active in trying to make the park a safer and better place. You can use the community gardens as an example. Just allowing the park to go on as a haven for disobedience and vulgarities will not help to support the LOBC mission.

As far as the hoops only hurting a few people, please keep in mind that these are some of the most special people to me. In the houses affected by this issue, there are at least 22 people. You are basically saying that the concerns of 22 people don't matter.

Instead of voicing your opinion about how the residents need to deal with it, why don't you contact Stephanie Toole or the other members of the LOBC and ask how you can help to support all of us in coming to a resolution? You could even contact your City Council person. You could contact the Mayor. We would appreciate the help. Thanks!

Hello All.
My wife Marisa Schelgunov has sent me the link to this article. She obviously thought I should read it.
I am Kim Schelgunov.
I am the..."idiot", "abrasive", "out of control", "rude", "jerk", "vigilante", "complainer", "liar" , "hot-headed", "looking for a fight guy", "nuisance", "Mr Drama", or whatever else you want to label me.

What I am not is a racist. That really stung, but I desearve it. I am of asian decent. I have lived in lakewood for for most of my life of 35 yrs. I went from 3rd grade through highschool at lakewood schools. Imagine for a moment that you go to a school where you are 1 of a few asians, and have a name that most western cultures consider to be female. I can tell you first hand of what it is to be discrimated against not only by other peers, but by adults. I continue to get this in my adult life and will expect it til the day I pass. So I think that I understand what being a racist is. I, my family and my neighbors are not. This issue is not about race. I am sorry that it is being perceived that way.

I am going to post some of my thoughts and what I have done in the following posts. I am not expecting sympathy, understanding, or much of anything, other than an explanation of my no doubt questionable actions.

I am not going to repeat the obvious concerns we have. I think these have been well documented in the dicsussion rather positive, negative, accurate, inaccuarte or whatever.

My family has been dealing with inappropiate behavior from the individuals from the basketball courts for months. I think what started my wife's "crusade" was in March, language was out of control. She asked for it to stop and was told..."Why don't you shut the "F" up, before I come over there and make you.

To say this angered me would be polite. Thus begin the emails, the calls, and etc. We honestly didn't even know the courts were going up until they were there. We are a working family, dealing with raising a family and probably missed the "memo" about this. Shame on us.

After months of behavior we find intorable, we finally hear of a meeting at the courts. We attend with some of our neighbors, mind you this was a meeting no member of our neighborhood was notified of. That is ok. It was a meeting for the kids on the courts.

I believe that I myself was very emotional, as was my neighbor who knows the mayor personally. I would what what person said "was abrasive". I was. I will not deny it, nor apologize. My family was physically threaten, and we had been dealing with the ongoing behavior for more than a month.

Memorial Day weekend comes.
We are continued to be exposed to behavior, but I can honestly say at times it was better. Better when an LOBC member or adult was there. I thank them for that. Yet, they are not always there, we are. The week leading into Memorial Day, the courts were starting to be open well into the night (meaning past 8pm). In fact it was habit that basketball was being played until 9 pm or so. We made our calls and the courts were closed. This may not seem like a big deal, and truly it is not, but if we are told that the courts will close at 8, then they should. After listening to basketball all day, I don't think that is really a unreasonable request.

On Memorial Day.

We do what most of everyone does, we had a cookout and ate dinner in our backyard. Basketball was still going on as it had all day, but there were not many kids playing, infact a few were riding their bikes in the courts and just hanging out. I get that, more than anyone will ever give me credit for. As we continued our dinner. A discussion was held about how my Hoes were "c-suckers", I wouldn't say it was screamed but spoken loud enough for my 4 yr old daughter to ask me what is a "c-sucker". Had I been in a public place I would be upset, but I was in my own backyard...again my backyard and was exposed to this. Do any of you truly realize how close the courts are to our homes.

My family packed our dinner up and went into the house. Our day was ruined. Sorry, perhaps I should be more understanding, but it was ruined. My wife took the 2 little ones down to the school yard to play. I walked over to the courts. 2 LOBC members were there. I introduced myself, and told them what was said, and thanked them for helping to ruin our day. That was probably wrong in everyone here's opinion, and you all are all probably right, but again I am the "abrasive Jerk"

A few weeks later, Friday night, same as it has been, we are forced to deal with the behavior. FYI...You should all know that unless there is a baseball game going on, the bathrooms are locked. I will leave it up to all of you to guess where the kids go when they have to go to the bathroom. Back to my issue...
Friday night, 10:30 pm, I come home and basketball is still going on. I have had enough. I then sprial down a path, that I should not have taken. I yell across and say, "Go Home...The courts are closed" I was greeted with..."no they are not, so shut the "f" up." I then made even a worse decision. I grabbed a bat and walked to the courts. My wife in the meantime called the cops and sent our oldest son after them. When I had arrived a gentleman was there trying to lock the gates, the individuals were getting in their car and leaving.

The 1st officer who arrived asked me "what was I doing" "what was I plan of doing with the bat" I answered honestly I did not know, I was angry and used extreme poor judgement. 2 more officers came up. The question was asked to me. "what would I have done if the individuals had a gun" Did I think a bat would really matter in that situation?" I apologized and even asked them that I know I was way out of line, and if I needed to be arrested, or cited I would fully accept it for my actions. The 2nd officer had a good point, what would have happened if there was a gun. Would we all be arguing about this, had something tragic happened. Why were the courts not closed. But most importantly why did I do what I did. I guess I am an idiot to most of you, and you would be correct. I do feel though, that a person, any person has a breaking point. I had reached mine.

I have apologized for that incident to the our ward police department. I have apologized to council, and the chief of police. I am truly embarrassed, and regretful for yes, my actions. What I am not sorry for is my right to stand up for my right to enjoy my home, my yard. There are better ways, yes, but how much must we sacrifice to have those rights answered. I was not afraid, I was angry. I was not angry at race or basketball itself, I was angry at the situation that has been forced down my throat. When will the basketball courts respect those rights.

And Finally...

I am not opposed to basketball being played, I am not opposed to the LOBC. What I am opposed to are promises, guarantees given to me and not followed out. I am oppossed to rules being overlooked like a punchline to a bad joke. If the writer of this letter can confirm. I never once said I want the basketball courts totally shut down. I only asked that If I am to compromise, than so should the basketball courts. Stronger enforcement of the rules, If the courts are to close at 8, then they should close at 8. If these are truly basketball courts, basketball should be played, not just a place to hang out. And lastly which is not in favor of most. I deserve a day off from the noise of the courts. 1 day out of 7. A weekend day would be nice. I like, I would imagine most of all of you work and look forward to a weekend.

So to make this into anything but behavior and enforcement of rules, is a shame. It is a shame that those of you who think that this is what it is all about, are truly not hearing what we are saying, therefore how are we ever going to move forward. I can only hope that the members of LOBC, City Council, and Police Department understand what the neighbors of the basketball courts are asking. Anything else is a waste of energy.

Thanks
Mr. Kim Schelgunov

I was fortunate en0ugh to be at the City Council meeting where Mr. Schelgunov apologized for his actions. I do not know Mr. Schelgunov and had not been aware of this situation previous to that Council meeting. I was truly impressed by 1.) his very sincere apology; and 2.) the fact that he chose to express his concerns about the growing frustrations regarding this matter in an appropriate forum.

We all have done foolish things. Mr. Schelgunov has admitted that his actions that day were wrong. Few of us would have had the courage to so. Congratulations, sir, I am truly impressed.

("Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” - Mark Twain)

I, too, probably would have done the exact same thing if one of my family members were physically threatened. It is so sad that any Lakewood citizen would face such a dilemma!

I also appreciate that, per Claire (above): "LOBC is working hard to volunteer our time and resources to monitor the courts, but clearly it is not sufficient to meet the needs ... are looking for more volunteers to help staff the courts" I will be contacting LOBC personally to see what kind of volunteer commitment is needed.

I am still confused about a few things:
1.) Is LOBC the only activity allowed when the courts are open (unlocked)?
2.) When sanctioned LOBC activity is taking place, is there LOBC monitors/representatives present?
3.) Are LOBC activity hours posted at the courts. (again, I could not find this on the website)
4.) Do LOBC monitors/reps have authority to dismiss a ball player from the courts?
5.) When there is no LOBC activity, are the courts locked? By whom?

continued from above...since they are not as blessed to be able to afford a backyard basketball hoop or YMCA pass. I do not agree with rude behavior in any way at all! However, I do not think the solution is to take away basketball again. It should have never happened in the first place. We should be working together to figure this out, not against each other. Once again, LOBC has continued to work hard to gain more locations and indoor open gyms to alleviate Lakeland residents concerns. That needs to be noted. They do care how everyone is feeling. This will be my last post. I have shared my views as I have heard yours.

Lakeland residents are soft, nut up and let the kids play ball. They are going to swear, it's part of sports. As for littering, maybe more trash cans should be available. Ass for urinating, im sure every male has urinated outside at least one in their life, yes you too Kim.

I think if the police made a few arrests and showed the troublemakers that the city is serious about maintaining civility in the neighborhood, the problems would eventually become less frequent.

@Alan - Police make arrests for murder, rape, drug trafficking, public intoxication, etc. ... but people continue to kill, rape, deal drugs, get obnoxiously drunk!! I contend that "a few arrests" will hardly be a deterrent, and will do nothing to addresses the root problem: our failure as a community to teach our young people to be respectful, productive members of society.

This whole issue goes SO BEYOND basketball and frustrated neighbors.

All,

I'd like to speak on behalf of the LOBC. We greatly appreciate everyone's constructive criticism and your willingness to participate in future discussions. Unfortunately, we do not have time to monitor the large number of online forums out there on a daily basis, so we prefer to speak to the residents directly. Please feel free to email the LOBC @ committee@lobc.org (or call 216-245-5598), and we will address all of your concerns as soon as we possibly can. We are always open to criticism and recommendations to help improve our services to Lakewood. If you contact us, we will respond! Also, anyone is welcome to join our meetings - just ask.

In the couple of days that have passed since this article has been posted, we have promptly responded to many emails/phone calls. Though we don't drop literature in everyone's front door handle every time we have a meeting, we do make ourselves very accessible and leave our meetings open to anyone that wants to get involved.

Never hesitate to contact us with your concerns. Thanks!

Not sure if I'll have time to read all of these comments during my short work break, but I wholeheartedly agree with Peter G.'s last response. Additionally, there has been no reason to arrest anyone at the courts. No laws are being broken by occasional swearing. Also, we have had no reports of urination.

@Peter G., your 5 questions can are answered on the sign posted at the courts.
1. Yes. Basketball without breaking our rules of conduct. Tennis on the remaining tennis court is permitted as well.
2. Yes. We are present for a majority of the time the gates are unlocked.
3. Yes.
4. Yes.
5. Yes, by LOBC volunteers.

@ Jordan - thanks! One thing still confuses me bit. The courts are open 10am to 8pm, but LOBC only - and I do not use "only" in a negative way - provides supervision between 4pm and 8pm. Who supervise between 10am and 4pm?

Really a baseball bat over cussing? What a psycho. Calm down its sports, it happens. It lakewood not the east side no ones getting shot. Calm yourself.