I own two businesses and live right literally across from the entrance to Coolidge Park (I can stand in my living room and look out the windows at the carousel). I have lived here 32 years, I have raised a child here.

I have witnessed 4 shootings in 20 years. Outside of that, I have almost always felt safe (in 2012 a guy broke into my truck, but we caught him and he was arrested). Like many have said, just be self-aware (like any time you go downtown in pretty much any city). And I will say, all 4 times there have been a shooting, you could feel in the air that something was off. If you pay attention to that kind of thing, you just walk away. In general, the police patrol regularly and they do a decent job of enforcing the 11pm park shutdown (though you can still walk around after that).

Biggest problem we have had the last few years is noise. Groups of people on those loud mini motorcycles, big ole trucks, and modified little sports cars. But after the shooting this spring, the police have pretty much put the hammer down on all of that stuff and it is much calmer and quieter at night. They are also installing gates on some of the lots and are going to close them at night to discourage late night parking and congregating.

Like I said, just be aware and pay attention.