January 6, 2009
- Pasco, Washington
A Growing Grassroots Movement to Save Richland Parks
By Chelsea Kopta
RICHLAND -- About a dozen Richland parks are in jeopardy and there are dozens of emails to prove it.
Two or three a day pour into Phil Pinard's inbox a day, the man overseeing the project to sell the parks. "I think (the emails) are great," Westwood Park Neighbor Jim Hoover said. "In fact, one of our greatest concerns is how to get the message out that is not just a three park issue." The author of each email has a different story, a different reason they love the parks, and a different way to help out. Richland Life Care Center is worried about Greater Years park right next door. A lawn crew offered to help maintain Greater Years and other parks. Others want to build community gardens. "You know you guys need to really be proactive and have a vision of that," Hoover told Action News, reiterating a message a fellow neighbor told him." And that really did help and we began to understand that that's the message we need to take to the city." Hoover did email the city with a message. He also meets every Monday with a Westwood Park committee to save the parks. But when emails and meetings don't cut it, he hits the streets, going door to door, with a homemade flyer. "We want to participate in the process, we want to be part of crafting that vision," he said. That vision matches the City of Richland Master plan for a diversity of parks. Hoover's neighbor, Jim Homan, is even running for a seat on the Richland Parks and Recreation Board. "And when people do see what the issues are and that they are in fact par of the issue, and their parks are in jeopardy, they seem concerned," Hoover said. Richland hasn't made a final decision on its plan to sell or save the parks. They're still just taking suggestions. This all came about because the city studied how often these parks were being used, and according to a study they did, it wasn't a lot. The city told Action News that the letters have gone out to businesses and community groups, hoping someone will adopt the parks. They're still waiting to hear back. |
YouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV. Stay Connected |
Connect with KEPRMost Popular
|
You
