Lately, residents on Beat 531 in the Pullman District have been enjoying their neighborhood playlot.
Children play while adults visit, read, and relax in the area.
Before residents relaimed the area, the atmosphere at the playlot was not pleasant. Last year, gangs took over the playlot, started selling drugs, and used the lot as the meeting place for gang members. The gang take-over concerned residents. They identified the playlot as the beat's priority problem and immediately started work to reclaim the area. They worked with CAPS trainers to learn how to problem-solve, and developed strategies that included City services, community marches, and calling the police.