As of this writing there has been a major change in the county legislature and the race for the county executive is still in doubt. We feel a key ingredient in these results is the public’s disenchantment with the privatization and misuse of the county park system. Are there other factors at work? Of course, but few issues strike with as much impact as open space, parks and preserves.
When all the dust has settled we hope to meet with all factions of county government to ensure the park user (and financial supporter) will be getting a park system protected from developers, private for-profit companies looking for tax-free land and misguided public officials looking to turn our park system into a cash cow.
We are cognizant that the process to rebuild our park system will be slow due to the economic conditions facing all of us right now. That being said, all privatization proposals regardless of their current status must be stopped now, including The Coleman Camp/Roosevelt Preserve issue, The Dave Ferris/Chistopher Morley Pool issue, The Grant Park Ice rink issue, The Nickerson Beach “Sportsplex” issue, etc., etc.
After the “new” county government shakes itself out, we will be requesting meetings with the leaders in March 2010. Our congrats to all the victors in the election. Please…Do us proud.
Bruce Piel
Chairman
Park Advocacy & Recreation Council of Nassau (PARCnassau)
