Three children with autism and a resident with PTSD lives next door to the proposed playground site in our Elizabethton neighborhood. For these children and the residents, routine and tranquility are essential to their mental and physical well-being. The disruption and increased activity that a playground would bring threatens to destabilize their environment, causing undue distress to the children, adults, and their families. Such disturbances could trigger mental health issues and potentially violate their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ignoring the priorities of their safety and mental health.

Furthermore, the proposed playground site is plagued with significant safety hazards and concerns for the entire community that resides there, including a broken closed bridge for foot traffic that has posed a large safety concern for all that would potentially attempt to enjoy the area for several years prior. The increased traffic in an area that lacks adequate parking facilities poses a serious risk to both pedestrians and drivers on the linear trails. Our streets, currently quiet and peaceful, would struggle to accommodate the flow of additional vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents and safety concerns.

In addition to these issues, it's alarming that registered sex offenders seem to reside within a half-mile radius of this location. The presence of a playground, attracting young children, increases the potential risk to the safety of both our children and the neighborhood at large. Public safety should be our primary concern and this location fails to provide a secure environment for a playground.

Many of the residents in the neighborhood, including those who live closest to the park, have chosen this area for its peacefully calm setting intentionally, ideal for disabled children and retirement living. The proposed playground not only disrupts this tranquility these residents currently enjoy, but also will diminishes the quality of life they have all cherished for years. When purchasing homes in this area, residents were not made aware of any plans for such developments, leading to feelings of betrayal and concern for their future and city leader's decision made behind their backs with no communication to those who live there encouraging a chance to speak up in concern.

This urgent matter calls for the Elizabethton City Parks & Rec to responsibly reconsider the location of this playground. We are not against recreational areas for children; we merely ask that such projects are undertaken with foresight and considerate planning, prioritizing the needs and safety of all community members. Cat Island Park is still inoperable and needs repairs. The Cat Island park has bathrooms and parking for all to enjoy and citizens had enjoyed it very much, prior to the flood. 

Please sign this petition and lend your voice to request the Elizabethton City officials to reevaluate this decision and find a more suitable location for the playground and funds. Together, we can ensure the safety, peace, and health of our neighborhood and its residents.