Park Ridge Park District Has Space Limitations

The following Letter to the Editor states the opinions of the author. Patch provides a forum for writers to express their views. 

Park Ridge should not pass up the opportunity to turn the former Youth Campus into a park that the entire community will enjoy.  This beautiful green space is the last available parcel of open land in Park Ridge .  I moved back to Park Ridge because of its good schools and amenities for families, including parks and park district programs.  But when I look at the suburbs around us, our parks do not compare well with those of our neighbors.  We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to add to the park system and address some of the space needs that the Park District has had for years. 

As a frequent consumer of park district services, I am impressed with the range and quality of services, events and activities they provide and with the cost of those services.  I believe the park district is a good steward of our tax dollars and offers programs that are valuable, enjoyable and improve the lives of many people.  I am also aware of the space limitations that compromise the quality of programs such as gymnastics, football and lacrosse.  The new plan that the Park District has developed over several months offers facilities and programs for a range of interests and ages. 

I will be supporting the park district's referendum in April to purchase the Youth Campus land and develop it into a park.  I hope others will too so that generations of the Park Ridge community can enjoy this beautiful land. 

Wendy Burgess

Park Ridge