HomeMy WebLinkAboutAC 12-06-2017 Ayral - Item 3
Purrington, Teresa
From:odileayral@gmail.com on behalf of Odile Ayral <oayral@calpoly.edu>
Sent:
To:CityClerk; Stanwyck, Shelly; Johnson, Derek; Advisory Bodies
Subject:North Neighborhood Park
To: Shelly Stanwyck, Derek Johnson, members of the Park and Recreation Commission
I am disturbed to see no mention in your 2017 annual Progress Report of acquiring a neighborhood park in the
northwestern side of the city. While there are many parks in other areas of the city, there are no city parks in
the northwest, and for some reason that is hard to explain, the city overlooked this glaring omission for many
years. Too often people in the Park and Recreation department point to "Throop Park", but Throop park is not a
city park, it is the property of the school district and can be taken away any time. This almost happened when
the school district moved the Pacheco school in what used to be Teach school and needed more space. The
resulting public outcry was able to save most of the park, but this could happen again, and with a different
outcome.
A year or two ago, the City Council voted to set aside $900,000 for the acquisition of a new park in this area,
but this fund has already been plundered, and only $740,000 remain. This money, originating from a council
vote and a strong promise from former city manager Katie Lichtig, ought to be viewed as sacred. As members
of the Park and Recreation Commission, you are bound to honor the decision of past and present City Manager
and Council. I therefore urge you to respect their decision to prioritize the acquisition of a park for the
northwestern part of the city, and to include it in the 2017 annual Report.
Sincerely,
Odile Ayral
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