Letter: Stay involved in parks planning

I attended the Lord's Park Pool meeting. The passion in the room and some of the ideas and thoughts were great. Thank you to all of the people/staff who kept a level head in the "discussion." Take the survey and have your opinion heard. It's important for the decision-makers.

The best comment was regarding the local election. Do your research, find out the city council members that didn't vote to keep the Lord's Park Pool open and use the power of your vote to remove them when they are up for election.

The city is taking the time to create a parks and rec master plan and for this effort, I applaud you. However, a plan that sits on the shelf and is unfunded is a dangerous thing after you received input from the community.

Why do people move to a community? Schools (some work to be done there) but second on that list is always parks and the amenities that provide safe recreational opportunities. Open space, parks and facilities add value to your home and reduce crime. Police in Elgin are second to none, but without alternative solutions to enhance their efforts, the cycle will continue.

So, come up with a master plan for Wing and Lord's Park specifically over the next five to eight years. They are jewels in our community and should be treated as such. Then fund them. Make the improvements people have asked for and commit to the plan.

The local election is here. Vote.

Jim Reuter

Elgin