About Katie Lentile
As anyone who knows me knows, Shelby Park is a staple in our family’s daily life. I am on the Board of Friends of Shelby and the park is our dog, Henry’s, absolute favorite place to go every single day. He loves watching the geese and ducks, and the lake loop is our go-to for a quick walk when we don't have time to head deep into the Bottoms.
Right now, a section of that walk can be a bit of a gamble. We are often weaving between people casting fishing lines, navigating around parked cars, or keeping an eye out for moving traffic. It's annoying with a dog, so I can't imagine the fear it would be with a toddler or for an elderly person trying to navigate it while trying to enjoy a simple walk. Friends of Shelby prides itself on being a park for everyone, but if a loop isn't safe for a stroller or accessible for someone with a mobility device, then we aren't fully living up to that "welcoming to all" standard. Completing this loop means that the most iconic part of our park finally becomes a safe, seamless space for every neighbor, regardless of age or ability.
