Please help save the Parade Grounds. 

I am a resident of Fort Ward strongly opposed to intrusion into the historic Fort Ward Parade Grounds of a playground. I request that you vote no on this agenda item and send it back to the Fort Ward neighborhood for the proper open public process that has not been provided.

The open area of Parade Grounds is an integral part of the historic nature of the Fort and neighborhood. It retains the open character of the marching parading soldiers who trained and lived here historically. Its open space is central to the stately military administration buildings and houses that make up the Fort. The Parade Grounds does not need the intrusion of play ground equipment. As it stands, it is already an open play area enjoyed by kids, family and adults.  

Very importantly, however, because of the lack of notice to Fort Ward residents there has not been a fair opportunity for residents to be a part of a democratic process leading to this item being put on the Commission’s agenda. There is no indication that there has been a properly noticed open meeting of any other community organization at which there was a vote to intrude on the historic Parade Grounds by adding playground equipment.  

Because of this glaring lack of public process I believe it is premature for the Board to take action on this agenda item. Instead, the Board should return this matter to the Fort Ward neighborhood for a properly noticed meeting and a duly recorded process that expresses the will of the neighborhood.

Reasons to not build a playground, but not limited to:

• TRAFFIC CONGESTION
• HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE & PARKING
• ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
• COVID SAFETY
• INCREASED CRIME
• TRASH & LITTER
• ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES