Wednesday, September 18, 2002

As many Fayette citizens are aware, the Fayetteville City Council has been debating the Southside Master Plan which involves over 250 acres between Ga. Highway 85 and Jimmy Mayfield Boulevard.

Much of the property in question is privately owned, but I wonder if the city has considered buying any of this property and creating a city park, something that is sorely lacking in our community.

The city receives yearly green space money from the state which it could use to purchase the property in question. Numerous grants are also available to help defray the cost. Or the city could consider a SPLOST (taxpayers willing) to raise the needed revenue to buy the land. Other communities around the state have found creative means of buying property to create parks.

Once the land is acquired, Fayetteville has numerous active volunteer organizations that could help develop and maintain this park. Scout troops could develop and groom nature trails; master gardeners could develop a native plant habitat for those plants saved from development sites; Fayette citizens could come together for a "clean-up" day to pick up trash. In short, the park could be a true community effort and something for the city and the residents to be proud of.

Fayetteville doesn't need another grocery store, pharmacy or strip mall. What she needs is a haven of beauty and peace where citizens can turn to nurture their souls. The City Council has a unique opportunity to preserve what little green space we have left and create something of benefit to everyone. We as citizens have a unique opportunity to let our elected officials know we want and need a park.

Susan Stewart

Fayetteville

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