Save historic Marion parks from development

Thomas and Legion parks in Marion are the jewels in the crown of our local parks. We have lost an irreplaceable treasure and we are about to lose more.

The beautiful wooded area at the top of the sledding hill is being developed into private condos. The land is going to be some wealthy person's private backyard. The best disc golf holes are going to be gone.

Thomas Park was created around 1920. Three ladies organized the project. Twenty people gave $100 (close to $1,200 in today's dollars); most citizens gave something. The schoolchildren of Marion gave hundreds of dollars by gathering pennies.

Legion Park was purchased in 1969 with public moneys. In 2000, a professional-grade disc golf course was updated; by all accounts it has heavy use.

In 2007 and 2010, the city of Marion apparently gave away, swapped or sold several acres of this land to developers Jon Dusek and Ace Aossey. I argue this was done without public knowledge.

If we come together we can save this precious public space that was set aside for us by our forebears. Wake up, call, email and write your council members! This soon will be on the Marion City Council's agenda.

Julia Wittnebel

Marion