[10] The park has been controversial because of a "steady stream of problems" including its high use by homeless people, drug dealing, violence and other criminal activity.

[13][10] In early 2016, the city applied some crime prevention through environmental design practices including fencing and lighting to deter unwanted behavior.

In closing the park, the city cited "violent incidents, verbal altercations, nuisance behaviors, and mental health emergencies".

[16][17][18] The closure was met with a September protest involving occupation of the park, in which people were arrested for trespassing and for assaulting police.

[19] The park's artesian well was decorated with public art murals by local artist Jennifer Kuhns.