A place considered a peaceful backyard hang out in a Mishawaka neighborhood, now has folks worried.

A 19 year-old is in critical condition after a near drowning in a water-filled gravel pit.

It happened Sunday on South Elder Street off of Lincolnway East.

Witnesses pulled him from the water.

Mishawka Mayor Jeff Rea says this is private property just outside city limits.

Twenty-five year-old Adam Ruscio, who lives nearby says for the most part, it's usually kept under control in this gravel pit area, but in the last week, he's seen some major red flags.

It's a spot where he's seen dirt bike riders, people walking dogs in the morning, maybe even just quick discussions amongst friends.

On occasion, Ruscio says this privately owned gravel pit area has a little more action. It’s also very easy to walk to, even though there’s a small gate put up.

Ruscio says, “Some people come back here and know how to control themselves, you know, like older people, more mature people. Then, some people come back here and can't handle the sense of freedom around here.”

In the last week or so, Ruscio says there are two frightening examples that come to mind.

He says, “There was a fire back here and then two days later, a near drowning. It just makes you wonder you know. I'm 25 and it happened to a 19 year-old. So it can happen to anyone I guess.”

Ruscio says he saw emergency workers on scene when the teen was pulled from the water and he felt awful.

Now, he's questioning the easy access gate and the lack of signs telling trespassers to stay away.

Ruscio says, “Imagine people that are younger that come back here and what could happen to them without supervision.”