Mission...Playpark in SoWal!!

copy of a letter that I wrote

Dear Commissioner Meadows:

I have been reading and hearing several different versions for what is planned at the Moll Drive property which has/is being acquired from Mr. Max Matthews. I am sorry that we were unable to work something out regarding the sale of our own property just to the north of this however now I must take the position to protect the residential neighborhood which we have planned to develop on our own property.

I would like to participate and voice my concerns at any workshops or public hearings that will be held with regard to the use of the newly acquired property. Is the change of use out of residential similar to how it is done in the private sector? Will the county be holding a public forum with notice to the neighbors prior to changing the use of this property? Changing to this new use in the property next to ours is tantamount to converting your next door neighbor?s property to a commercial use with the equivalent traffic count of a Wal-Mart Superstore.

Be assured that I support increased recreational activity at this site. However, I must tell you that I have extremely strong concerns regarding mega-watt lighting that may illuminate my property as well as increases in traffic and noise etc. Keeping this in mind I feel that the best use for this acreage would be recreational area for non-organized team sporting events. i.e. children?s play areas, exercise/nature trails, dog parks, etc. Recreation should accommodate everyone - there are plenty of children that can't/don't play team sports - and a place for them and others is equally important. Lighting and parking that is necessary for such a use must be responsibly considered as it will seriously impact the value and quiet enjoyment of my property and the other neighboring properties which are all zoned for residential use only.

I strongly oppose expansion of a ballpark or field which would place intrusive lighting, traffic and noise in an east/west direction on the west side of Moll Drive. The effects of noise and mega-watt lighting would most surely bleed over to mine and other neighbor?s property. This can and should be done on the east side of the street where ball parks already exist. The 10 acres north of the existing ball park would be a good spot.

Please point me in the right direction of how I may be kept up to date and participate in what is being planned for this location. I want to be assured that there will be oversight and public participation to insure that all of the impact to the neighborhood and the environment is respectfully and responsibly considered.

My overall goal is to get more recreational land and much needed facilities for the children in South Walton. In particular, our group is focusing on a playground and other play areas, but I don't think it should happen at the expense of other recreational requirements. Just my 2 cents.

OM, we missed you! We did get a lot done. We assigned BM to do some presentation art, Jdarg is going to speak at the meeting, SGB and I are writing what we want to say and getting on the agenda. CCK was there and another friend who had some grayt ideas as well. WE STILL NEED A LOT OF PEOPLE TO SHOW UP AT THE BOC. MEETING TO SHOW SUPPORT OF THE PARK! The meeting is April 10 at 4 I think. SGB, if that's wrong, please correct me.

Let's meet at Watercolor Market at noon on Monday. We'll review the information we'll give the BCC. Did anyone see the article in the Sun about the skatepark group?

Let's meet at Watercolor Market at noon on Monday. We'll review the information we'll give the BCC. Did anyone see the article in the Sun about the skatepark group?[/quote]

In a perfect world? The BCC funds both. But I am not holding my breath, and personally do not think a skate park is a necessary addition to our community.

Louisville (my old home town) has a world class skatepark that is nothing but a headache for the city due to crime, drugs, lawsuits, unsupervised children, vandalism, expensive maintenance issues- the list of negatives is way longer than the positives. I do think that a park/playground needs to be first priority over a skatepark since a playground would be used by a larger segment of taxpayers.

Hey! We might get to be there! Our trip has been delayed a day because of Hunter being sick this weekend (why we weren't there today) but it might help us be able to attend.

I will post on meetup right now.

Note that although there a lot of issues to be debated at the BCC meeting, Mission Playpark! is early on the agenda, before any of the lenthy discussions - So we don't have to worry about waiting all night for our 5 minutes. Please be there! If we want more recreational facilities we have to show our commissioners how many people (voters) are asking for them.


I call it "talking for a good cause" as opposed to my ususal, just talking. Lucky for you all, I won't be singing.