Subj: Re: Misuse of Freedom Park
Date: 4/24/2005
From: RobertF765@aol.com
To: mcclejm@co.mecklenburg.nc.us
John McClelland
General Manager
Central District III
Dear John,
We were afraid our request might be dismissed with quotes of rules, etc. May I please reiterate the main point cited in the subject of the email, the misuse of Freedom Park.
The park is for everyone. It is a rare resource for us to escape the noise, pollution and pressures of work and urban life. It is called "the natural place to be."
By allowing a group to preach and play music so loud that everyone in the lake area is forced to listen, the park dept. is depriving the public of peace, privacy and the opportunity to pursue other leisure activity in the entire area -- this is a misuse of the park.
Can you please address this POLICY, not just adherence to rules. Many thousands of tax dollars are being spent in repairing the landscape and beautifying the park -- all aimed at enhancing its natural resources. These were wasted this Saturday as the park was used as a mere venue for a private group to proselytize and dominate the entire park with its amplified music and speech making.
There is only one Freedom Park, a unique respite in the city. There are almost unlimited places for loud music and speech making. The public deserves access to the park. It should not be sold off on weekends in this manner at the expense of every other taxpayer and park patron.
Sincerely,.
Robert L. Fitzpatrick
1522 Lilac Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28209
704-334-2047
RobertF765@aol.com