BY RICHELLE THOMPSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
On Sundays in warm months, hundreds of young Cincinnati residents -- many of them African-American -- chill at Eden Park. Evenings offer a time to hang out. Mostly, it gives people something to do.
When the park closes, it's on to Corryville's short Vine Street. But residents in the area bemoan the traffic. They complain about the loud music and worry the crowds will drive away business. In an effort to appease residents and appeal to youths, city officials sponsored the first of a series of free concerts Sunday. About 250 people were in Eden Park's Seasongood Pavilion to hear Tabatha and Ram-Z. The concert appeared to draw some people from Twin Lakes Overlook, the popular cruising site, but the crowd was light Sunday anyway thanks to a basketball playoff game and uncertain weather.
While it's too early to know the effect of Sunday's concert, the city's attempt to take the bite out of the constant refrain "There's nothing to do" received mixed reviews from Eden Park visitors. "This gives us a chance for all of us to get together," Ronda Gates said. "People don't have anything to do right now. That's why they're up at the park."
While Lee Johnson, 23, said the concert is a good way to start the summer, she worries it'll clog traffic at both ends of Eden Park. Already, 16 police officers patrol the Twin Lakes Overlook to maintain traffic and monitor the crowd. An additional 15 to 20 officers were to be on hand Sunday to help with traffic at the concert. Lester Sims, 23, said the number of police officers reflects a common perception: "People think that anytime a bunch of black people congregate together that there may be some violence." While Mr. Sims appreciates the idea of holding free concerts and giving young residents "something to do," he resents the notion that it's a solution. He doesn't see cruising Eden Park as a problem.
"This is culture for black people. Some people like to play golf on Sundays. Black people like to congregate together, hang out and have a good time."
