It’s true that most options have the double edged sword effect… perhaps very uncomfortable benches which look nice. I voted for a monument/statue but this obviously raises similar rif-raf concerns. If all agree on the intent of the area, I’m sure more clever minds than mine will have a good solution…
I think the most important thin is to keep hoping and keep thinking. For me, there are basketball courts, playgrounds, benches, and potentially a dog park nearby (within a few blocks). We just lost the nearby community garden. I think a garden, with a bench, and composting would maximize the use of the space. BUT, keep hoping, keep pushing for the removal, and we can sort out the community use next.
Bates Area Civic Association 
love this! thanks.
Benches and landscaping sound nice but we if we do that, hopefully, it does not turn out to be another place for loiterers/rif rafs to hang out.
It’s true that most options have the double edged sword effect… perhaps very uncomfortable benches which look nice. I voted for a monument/statue but this obviously raises similar rif-raf concerns. If all agree on the intent of the area, I’m sure more clever minds than mine will have a good solution…
I think the most important thin is to keep hoping and keep thinking. For me, there are basketball courts, playgrounds, benches, and potentially a dog park nearby (within a few blocks). We just lost the nearby community garden. I think a garden, with a bench, and composting would maximize the use of the space. BUT, keep hoping, keep pushing for the removal, and we can sort out the community use next.