Springbrook — the Forgotten Neighborhood in Lakewood

When the city of Lakewood contracted to have sidewalks replaced the length of Bridgeport Way through the whole city, it was exciting news. Then we were briefed that it has been accomplished but the Springbrook area was left out.

There are no plans to remedy the issue.

The whole length of Bridgeport should not mean the whole length minus the Springbrook neighborhood section. It is the main entry to McChord Field. A little beautification would definitely help all the numerous military personnel in and out of the gate.

The city wants local citizens to push for it to be placed on the agenda for the year 2015 with a possible funding date of 2020. For those without cars, they have to walk in the mud to work as there is no sidewalk there.

The other recommendation given was to solicit federal money to put in sidewalks in the city of Lakewood. It seems to me the federal money is needed to maintain all of the war fronts we are involved in and the infrastructure of their own facilities. They should not be asked to fund sidewalks in the city of Lakewood leading to their main gate.

A water park was promised to be constructed for Springbrook Park so the many kids who reside in the apartments and mobile home parks would have something to do. The funding was withdrawn and probably used elsewhere. Now the promise has been changed to putting a roof over the basketball court so the kids can shoot some hoops during any type of weather.

Will this promise be kept? Only time will tell.

Through it all, local heroes still exist. There is one unsung hero for the area. John Ruze, who owns and manages the Truaire Apartments, has been leading a 1-man Army to try and clean up the Springbrook neighborhood. Truaire Apartments are the only certified, smoke-free apartments in the city of Lakewood. For at least the past 3 years that I have heard about, he has picked up trash throughout the neighborhood on every first Saturday of the month starting at 8 a.m. and continuing until finished.

In addition to this monthly task, he takes on the clean up of True Lane. This is where all the trash gets dumped after people finish their snacks bought at the Texaco gas station.

Perhaps he should run for office as he cares more about the neighborhood than those supposed to be representing the area.

His motto is "increase curb appeal and reduce crime" in the Springbrook neighborhood. We need more people like Ruze to get involved in the turnaround of the neighborhood. Show your pride of ownership for the area you call home. Clean up in front of your property and bug your neighbor to clean up in front of theirs. Let's show Ruze that he is not alone in his push to improve the Springbrook Neighborhood.