I feel very deeply about saving Mercer Island parklands after remembering the experiences my three children have had while growing up in such a beautiful place. We moved here from the Arizona deserts 50 years ago, and it was like moving to a forested wonderland — a safe place for growing children to explore and enjoy during family and scouting adventures close to home.

Besides losing any more parkland space to further buildings, no matter what size, I am concerned about the cost to property owners should the proposed contract with Mercer Island Center for the Arts be broken in the future and leave us “holding the bag.”

I frequently read in the Reporter of the monetary need for many more important projects than a place to house performances and lessons of the arts, which could be done by leasing existing places on Mercer Island, such as the high school and community center that we are currently paying for with our taxes, and without the need to build another building. Details on this were addressed fully in a recent letter to this paper.

I say all of this as an art major who deeply appreciates and enjoys all forms of art, but who also understands fiscal restraints and increasing parking problems for our small community that already has major problems in these two areas. I ask all residents to think carefully. Any parkland space lost now is a loss for all future Mercer Island generations of children and grandchildren.

Betty Morgan

Mercer Island