We live on an Island. By our very nature, we cannot create any more land. As our area population increases, access to green open spaces becomes more important. There are so many demands for our parks and open spaces — without protection, I fear that one great project after another will chip away at our parks until we have no open space left.

Whether you supported the Protect Our Parks petition or not — we should all take pause. Four elected Islanders are deciding to grossly subsidize a private enterprise by leasing parkland for $1 per year — parkland that all Islanders support through taxes. Were other “worthy” organizations given an opportunity to compete for this land giveaway? If not, why?

Traci Granbois

Mercer Island