Park by Penford gives kids accessible exercise

In response to the Feb. 3 guest column by Gary C. Young, “C.R. should embrace Penford,” I felt a “need” to add a little history.

Students from Metro High School were the advocates for the building of the skate park in the location of the park Penford wants to buy and expand. They were wise enough to take their plan to Dale Todd, the parks commissioner. He had them poll young people.

With the results, he and the city commissioners decided that it would be wise to put a park in this area. Young people in the neighborhood, who didn't have cars of their own or parents who were available to drive them to other destinations, could enjoy themselves, get good exercise and feel that their city valued them. The city valued them enough to include them and their story in a brochure the city used for publicity.

In these times when we are concerned about the obesity problems of young people in school and getting them up and away from simply viewing electronics, I think we need to take the location of this park into consideration. Penford may be willing to donate money for a park in another place, but would it serve the young people who live in the current area? I hope the city will consider this along with the value it places on Penford's expansion.

Bonnie Sovern

North Liberty