To our incredible supporters,

We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you who has signed and shared the petition to preserve Morrison Park. It truly takes a united community to stand strong, uphold transparency, and protect the values our veterans fought and died for. Your voices are making a difference.

We wanted to take a moment to share where things currently stand and what lies ahead:

 • Mayor and City Council: An email was sent to the Mayor and City Council requesting that Morrison Park be preserved as a historic Veterans Park, with specific attention to maintaining and restoring existing features like the WPA Bandstand and Veterans Grove. As of this update, we have not received a response.

 • Grover Museum Director & Shelby County Historical Society: We reached out to the Grover Museum Director (who reports to a board) and the Shelby County Historical Society, asking for their support in preserving this park’s rich historical and veteran significance. No response has been received as of yet.

 • State & National Historical Societies: We have officially started the process of applying to have Morrison Park listed as a recognized historic site. The State Historical Review Board meets in mid-June, and we are hopeful for a positive response. Morrison Park meets multiple qualifications for historic designation, including:

 • Its development under the WPA (Works Progress Administration)

 • Its connection to the New Deal era

 • Its historical use as a veteran and community gathering space

 • Its architectural and cultural relevance

Since the WPA Bandstand was removed and can no longer be maintained or restored, we have proposed that a memorial be constructed in its place to honor the original structure and its historical importance.

 • Girls Inc. and Boys & Girls Club: Emails have been sent to both organizations requesting details about their attendance numbers, fluctuations throughout the year, and whether alternative accommodations have been explored before considering public land for private expansion. As of now, we have not received a reply.

 • Parks Board Leadership Concern: A formal request was submitted to the Mayor asking for the removal of the current Parks Board President due to conduct that raised serious concerns. The Mayor responded within the hour stating he would “look into it,” but no further follow-up has been provided.

 • Veteran Advocacy: We’ve also reached out to a local veteran advocate who we hope will help amplify our message and advocate for Morrison Park as a space dedicated to those who have served.

We are still pushing forward and need your help now more than ever. Please continue to share the petition through email, text, and social media. The more signatures we collect, the louder our collective voice becomes.

Thank you for being part of this movement—your support means the world.

With gratitude,

Amy Harness

On behalf of the Morrison Park Preservation Effort