Artesian well isn't so well

Olympia’s artesian well has become a safe, well-monitored place for teens to gather. Basketball hoops, artwork, small tables and music during the summer.

Baloney.

The well has become a site for drug and alcohol use by underage teens, fights, and on one occasion I know of first-hand, a 14-year-old girl being propositioned for sex. The well-monitored part means a part-time park ranger whose duty is over with the approach of fall. Any other “overseers” can do nothing but call police — which happens far more often than the public is aware.

Parents, if you think the well is a safe place for your teens to get together, think again. And if you already have a justifiable complaint, contact the Olympia City Council, City Manager, and anyone else who can effect a change. Olympia has a good police department, but they can only do so much.

This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 2:24 PM with the headline "Artesian well isn't so well."