Subject: Misuse of Freedom Park
From:"Robert L. FitzPatrick" <fitz3034@bellsouth.net>
Date:Sat, 23 Apr 2005
To:dan@votedanbishop.com
Dan Bishop
County Commissioner, District 5
Dear Mr. Bishop,
Today is a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and many residents have come to Freedom Park to enjoy this public facility. Unfortunately, the park dept. has rented out the bandshell to a religious group and no one in the park can enjoy any privacy at all. Music and preaching are blasting several blocks in any direction. Windows on the houses of Lilac Rd. are shaking with percussion.
Most importantly, the value and use of the park is denied to all who might want to stroll around the lake, have a picnic or a quiet chat.
Can you please look into this misuse of the park? Freedom Park is not Cricket auditorium or Verizon Wireless Pavilion. It is not a downtown street that has been closed off for a music festival. It is a rare and important investment in open, green area, fresh air, a beautiful pond, trees, etc. The park dept. says it is "public facility" and they have to rent it out to anyone that pays the money. They have to provide electricity, amplification, clean up etc. for a small group that wants to rent it.
Yes, it is a public facility. That is why we are asking that the park be reserved for the public, not a private group. As nearby residents, we have argued our case, but who is speaking for all the patrons of the park from all over the county who might like to enjoy the resources without being deluged with some private group's message and loud, amplified music?
Please help us with this issue.
Robert FitzPatrick
1522 Lilac Rd.
704-334-2047
Pres, Friends of Freedom Park