As the Vice President of the Shenandoah Jr. Blue Devils Football and Cheer Organization, I am deeply concerned about the proposed plan by the Shenandoah Borough Council to build a municipal garage at the bicentennial park. Our organization, which consists of over 160 youth children, relies heavily on the available park space for practice and development. Furthermore, other youth programs such as the Shenandoah Girls Softball League, which brings together families and fosters community spirit, use this park as an essential venue for their activities. This project would significantly reduce the available space for youth sports programs and threaten the continued existence of the Jr Blue Devil Football and Cheer youth program.

Building a municipal garage in the park would not only rob the Shenandoah Jr. Blue Devils of a place to train and grow, but it would also deprive all the kids in our community of a vital green space and this is more than just an open space it is a cornerstone of our community. For years this open space at the bicentennial park had provided a safe and accessible place where kids can participate in sports, to learn teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, build friendships and stay physically active. These programs are essential for the well-being and development of our youth, offering positive alternatives that keep them engaged and supported. 

The proposed garage would eliminate the field these programs depend on. With limited space already available, this loss would force our league to cut participation or shut down entirely. The long-term consequences would be devastating not only for the children currently enrolled but for future generations who deserve the same opportunities.

Additionally, replacing public parkland with infrastructure can deteriorate community relations and decrease the quality of life in Shenandoah. It is not just a loss for our children, but for everybody who values communal green spaces as places for relaxation, social gatherings, and community events. Parks should be protected and enhanced, not diminished for infrastructure that can be placed elsewhere. 

I urge the Shenandoah Borough Council to reconsider their decision and explore alternative locations for the municipal garage that do not impose on public parkland. Other municipalities have successfully relocated such facilities to underutilized areas within their regions, preserving essential community spaces for future generations.

Your support is crucial. By signing this petition, you are voicing your opposition to the loss of our cherished public park. Stand with us to protect our community's future and ensure our children have the opportunity to thrive in the environments they deserve. Please sign this petition to make our voices heard.