THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 19, 1996 TAG: 9609170142
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Opinion
SOURCE: BY JEROME L. WILLIAMS
LENGTH: 63 lines
During a recent errand-filled Saturday afternoon, I coolly drove through a bothersome yellow light. Eager to reach my destination, I hardly noticed the police precinct situated on the opposite corner.
Nevertheless, I proceeded rather unfazed to coast down a business-lined street brimming with local residents.
It was a typical sun-drenched Saturday afternoon. I could easily spot people licking ice cream cones and sporting dark sun shades.
However, as I turned the corner to my intended destination, I was mildly surprised by what appeared ahead.
Before turning into James Monroe Elementary's parking lot, I gazed upon a tree-lined block filled with picturesque two-story homes.
Is this really Park Place? I asked myself. This neighborhood definitely did not fit the profile of the ``decaying'' community featured in many local newscasts.
There were no drug dealers in sight. Moreover, there were no audible gunshots.
There were, however, young kids vigorously playing basketball. Also in view were smiling adults eating crabs, drinking sodas and partaking in humor-filled conversations.
As I walked over to the food area, I was greeted by plenty of people, including the lady who invited me.
``It's so good to meet you!'' exclaimed Delores Harris, co-organizer of that day's ``We Love Park Place'' third annual festival.
The annual event seeks to encourage residents to become more involved with civic activities. In addition, the event serves to inform the public about housing improvements being made in Park Place.
Looking around, I was convinced that the event served yet another purpose.
``There are misconceptions about this neighborhood,'' Harris said forcefully. ``Park Place is not an area to be feared. Homeowners are committed to staying.
``This is a community of people who care about their character.''
While chatting with Harris, I remembered my life growing up as a teenager within the Park Place area.
Although some memories are less fond than others, I nevertheless smiled in memory of the strong sense of community that residents had, in spite of sometimes trying times.
Specifically, I remember how my little sister would occasionally stray too far down our street corner. Neighbors were quick to direct her back toward our house, even before I would scream her name at the top of my lungs.
Thinking back to those times, I recall that most residents were not criminals, nor were they lazy ingrates sucking up the taxpayers' money.
They were, by and large, decent, hard-working people who made the most out of their environment.
After saying my goodbyes to Harris, as well as other members of the Park Place Community Development Corp., I took a final look around before departing for my next errand.
As I watched the residents continue to laugh and enjoy each others' company, a thought dawned upon me.
It's not public image that determines a neighborhood's real worth but the heart and character of its residents.
Using that scale, I can honestly say that Park Place ranks as one of the better neighborhoods in Hampton Roads. MEMO: Jerome L. Williams is a freelance writer. by CNB