Save paradise park from being paved

What does “Save McIntire Park” mean? To begin, here is the most relevant definition of “park” found in the Oxford American Dictionary: “3. a large area of land kept in its natural state for public recreational use.” Al-though it is the third definition in the dictionary, I believe it defines the intentions of Paul Goodloe McIntire’s gift of this land to Charlottesville.

Those citizens who display the “Save McIntire Park” signs believe that our parks should remain parks, not parking lots, roadways or building sites. We do not oppose the new YMCA building, just its location in our largest and most beautiful park. The latest design shows all the shelters being removed to accommodate the building — where will families now picnic?

How much more of this little paradise will be paved for YMCA parking?

We do oppose the Meadowcreek Parkway’s intrusion into parkland and the accompanying sewer line expansion that will destroy many trees and will not permit replanting due to the problem of tree roots that might destroy the new sewer line. I remember a City Council resolution to increase the tree canopy in Charlottesville. We need to plant trees to improve our green space, not cut them down. Improvement does not have to mean expansion.

The parkway will be the beginning of the end for this park, and not just of the golf course (the last local place for beginners to learn to golf at a reasonable cost).

Please contact your City Council members and help save our park.