Faces of Slow Lake Street: MELISSA FAJARDO

“I feel like I can peacefully walk on this street and see everyone getting their exercise, families, kids, adults, everyone just walks here and it’s so nice. The sunlight is amazing. I walk my dog here. I feel safe walking in the middle of the street.

For me it’s very energizing to see everyone and be able to walk and know that I don’t have to worry about potentially any cars or anyone trying to get in your way.

It would be great if it was permanent. I know it’s an inconvenience for many people but I think it’s a really nice way for the community to have somewhere to go if they don’t want to go to a park or anything like that or don’t have access to that. This street provides that comfortable place.

Just to see people smiling. You see families. You see dogs. My dog. She loves it. She can see other dogs. For me it’s very energizing. I always walk around with a smile on my face, so when people see me they just smile. I feel sometimes a smile can make a big impact on someone who might not be having such a great day. For me, the work that I do I don’t have to impact anyone. But if I can impact one person, even with just a smile or a look or a friendly hello. You might make that person’s day. So for me, I try to get on Lake Street pretty frequently, whether alone or with my dog.”

MELISSA FAJARDO (walking)