First published in the Sept. 15 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
My children and I have been longtime user of Mayors’ Discovery Park, and I am bewildered to see that the city is considering pickleball here.
Why destroy nature when the city and all are trying to battle climate change? Currently, the park caters to residents of all ages, children and seniors, walkers and events consisting of family sports activities, yoga, meditation, social gatherings and many other uses.
This destruction of any part of this park for a busy activity will cause severe parking and traffic impacts to Foothill and the entire surrounding community and will not enhance what we currently have. We need to redirect our thoughts and mindset to revamping this green space to what its title stands for: “Discovery.” [For example, we could] introduce local artists’ work, have community workshops, rebuild the sandbox, create shade areas and fix the drinking faucets. The city has a group to think about activities for all ages.
Mayors’ Discovery Park is the perfect place to bring classes, events and activities that would not fit into our other parks. More diverse activities can be designed for such a special space than to give it to one busy and loud activity. The community surrounding the park asks that Mayors’ Discovery Park be reimagined for all and that the city waits until there is an appropriate and viable alternative that Mother Nature and all can accept.
Stephan Schmidt
La Cañada Flintridg
