City Council intent on destroying Ellis Park

Well, the city “powers that be” are at it again. Now they want to relocate the Time Check Recreation Center, call it a community center, and put it smack dab in the middle of Ellis Park (near the tennis courts).

It would be only 17,000 square feet to start because that is what the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay to relocate the Time Check Recreation Center, but eventually it could be expanded to 100,000 square feet.

Are you kidding me?

First, it was building affordable housing on the chipping green in Ellis Park. At that time, People For Parks was formed. We went to dozens of city council meetings and let our feelings be known. What doesn't the mayor and City Council understand? The people do not want our parks developed. And don't tell me again about the 200-plus acres you are going to give me down by the river, which is five miles away. If I have to get in my car to walk my dog, I will go to Morgan Creek Park, where it is quiet and serene like Ellis Park is now.

Even the Time Check neighborhood people want the Recreation Center in their neighborhood, not Ellis Park.

There is a reason we have chosen to stay here, raise a family and enjoy this park in our later years. We have gone from swimming lessons, ball games and golf to walking the dog. Why is the mayor and city council so intent on destroying Ellis Park as we know it?

Aggie Doyle

Cedar Rapids