The former Bessie Rhodes School is about to be sold.

District 65 has received expressions of interest from developers, private schools, and other organizations. But this property presents a far greater opportunity: preserving a public asset for the benefit of the entire community.

Adjacent to Timber Ridge Park, the Bessie Rhodes site offers a rare chance to expand parkland and create a Community and Cultural Center serving eastern Skokie.

Many parts of Skokie enjoy community gathering spaces and cultural facilities. Eastern Skokie does not have a comparable center. The Bessie Rhodes building could become a hub for youth programs, senior activities, arts and cultural events, fitness classes, educational programs, community meetings, and neighborhood gatherings.

If this property leaves public ownership, the opportunity will likely never return. Land adjacent to an existing park is extraordinarily difficult to assemble and preserve. Future generations should not lose this unique community resource because we failed to act when the opportunity existed.

We urge:

• District 65 to prioritize discussions with the Skokie Park District.

• The Skokie Park District to pursue acquisition of the property.

• Village leaders and elected officials to support keeping the property in public hands.

Please sign this petition to support preserving the former Bessie Rhodes School as an expansion of Timber Ridge Park and the future home of a Community and Cultural Center for eastern Skokie.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Let's not lose it.