In reference to Robin Russell’s letter on alcohol in Mercer Island parks (“Alcohol has no place in public parks,” Feb. 2), I found no reference to the use of alcoholic beverages in the city’s documents concerning MICA for the Feb. 6 meeting. The documents focus on the history of MICA and creating a future for the arts on Mercer Island.

Ms. Russell then asserts “it seems counter intuitive for our council to consider allowing alcohol in our parks under any circumstances.” Mercer Island already allows alcohol in a park facility. The Parks and Recreation website notes this policy in its information on using the community center for weddings.

From these two misconceptions, Ms. Russell concludes that MICA MAY BE requesting a change in policy so that alcohol can be consumed in outdoor areas. The reader will draw your own conclusions.

Ms. Russell also notes that alcohol should be banned in parks because adults “need to show our youth that we can have fun without alcohol.”

Engaging approximately 1,600 children in dance, music and the theater is a positive way for a lot of children to have fun.

Mercer Island is a community that values its families, education and children.

What better way to express those values than to create a structure where children can have fun with their art?

Carol Friends

Mercer Island