Mayor Otis Hunt Willoughby

We’ve had a wonderful Fall. As I write this, the weathermen are saying that change is on its way. Now we’ll have to get into the habit of parking off the street and shoveling snow from our walks. As it gets dark early and we don’t spend as much time outdoors, we need to pay attention to our neighbors to make sure they are well during the winter months.

Many of you have given me suggestions for the new park on 100 South. The two names that have been the most common suggestions are Mountainville Park and Dry Creek Park. Central Park runs a distant third. I have also heard two main suggestions for the park itself. First, that we want anything besides a skate park there. Second, whatever the city plans, make sure there is a skate park there. This will be a good experience for the community to map out the needs for that land.

You have probably noticed that we rebuilt the gazebo at Legacy Park. Many thanks to Councilman Tracy Wallace and the city crews that erected it. This one is well-built and shouldn’t rot away like the wooden one did. We are looking now to revamp the pavilion and get rid of the trees that are growing on its roof. We also hope to get a restroom in the park by spring.

As long as I am on the topic of parks, I should remind you that our parks are not dumping grounds. We have had crews working for months to clean up Lambert Park and new material is dumped up there constantly. Our debris basins are not collection points for grass clippings. It is common sense to me that if I do not own a piece of property, I should not dump my junk on it. I hope that we can get away from the habit of filling our open spaces with litter.

I hope that you have a very Merry Holiday Season and that we as a city can have a Happy New Year in 2007.