City should reconsider location for community center

In the late '60s, my college summers were spent working under Nevin Nichols' leadership at Cedar Rapids Parks Department-sponsored programs in our parks. The department had a fine reputation of introducing youngsters to the beauty and serenity of our park land. City parks were in constant use.

In the early days of flood recovery, money was spent on consultants to help us redefine and redesign our city. But these consultants didn't grasp our past when redesigning our future.

Regarding the Multi-Generational Community Life Center, a proposed large building to be built in the center of Ellis Park: Please reconsider the location. The community center would better serve our city if built on park land the department already occupies.

The NW parks maintenance building complex on the south edge of Ellis Park is easily accessible by established roadways, sits in front of a wildlife woods, looks to the river and is close to ball fields and a swimming pool.

It seems more logical and practical to destroy maintenance buildings and rebuild a community center than to destroy pristine and picturesque park land meant to be used for walks, picnics or whatever we may want to do on park land.

I challenge our City Council to review circa 1901 council minutes and abide by the conditions for Ellis Park set at that time. Our park land is our legacy, please don't participate in its destruction.

Ann L. Carson

Cedar Rapids