In 2011, when the Mineola Union Free School District closed Cross Street School, they leased the property to the Schechter School of Long Island. At first it seemed fine, but then came a frustrating change: they locked up the fields and added security over what was once a community space. Many local residents were upset, including my late father, who strongly opposed the closure before he passed away in 2022. This issue directly affects me today. It is the closest field to where I live, and having an open space to hang out or play a casual game would mean a lot. My message to the school is simple: find a way to reopen the field to the community, even if it means setting reasonable hours or basic guidelines.