Pubdate: Wed, 23 May 2007 Source: Seattle Weekly (WA) Copyright: 2007 Seattle Weekly Contact: http://www.seattleweekly.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/410 Author: Allison Bigelow SAM MADE EVENT UNSAFE DEAR EDITOR: The entrance and exit into Myrtle Edwards Park from the south has been extremely reduced in width. Before construction began on the sculpture park, Hempfest representatives made it clear to the city and Seattle Art Museum that the roadway needed to be larger than SAM has constructed. The footage needed to safely execute a large political event such as Hempfest is much wider than SAM built. In the 10 years prior to SAM's construction, the roadway has allowed a safe event. I appreciate your article telling about the situation that SAM's construction has caused. Kudos to Hempfest for acting so quickly to remove the fencing and keep the festivalgoers safe. SAM should be held responsible for the costs that are incurred in order for the roadway to be widened again in order to allow safe access to one of Seattle's biggest gems. Hempfest has been known for taking care of Myrtle Edwards Park, picking up every piece of trash, leaving it cleaner than when they got there. The people who attend the event are, for the most part, gentle, respectful people who do not damage public property. ALLISON BIGELOW Owner of Reefer Magnets Mount Vernon - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath