The lawn in Wesselman Park is vital to the physical, mental, and social health of our community. It's healthy to be outside and among nature year round. For city residents, access to nature is particularly important because it's not easy to come by. The way to provide nature in cities is through true parks. Now, in November, the lawn area is being used for casual games of football, but though out the year it is used by role-playing teens, people gathering for morning Tai Chi, families kite flying, dog walkers, friends picnicking, and others seeking free, non-organized recreation in a natural setting.

The endangered lawn area is adjacent to wooded areas that are vital habitat to endangered Eastern Box Turtles and also Salamanders. The proposed bright lights that will shine at night, and the noise of tournaments are incompatible with their health as well as the birds we try to attract to the nearby Wesselman Woods area.

The Winnecke Administration wants to pave the lawn over with pickle ball courts to serve out-of-town tournaments. We believe the park belongs to city residents that love it just the way it is. We are asking our elected officials to protect our Park from the pickle ball facility. 

Parking for the tournaments is insufficient, and cars will crowd out any others that will want to use the park. City tax payers should not give up their designated free play space to people who don't even live in the city. We want, need, and deserve this common play area. We make this ask of...

btrockman@evansville.in.gov,
zjheronemus@evansville.in.gov,
kmorley@evansville.in.gov,
rkbeane@evansville.in.gov,
aburton@evansville.in.gov,
jbrinkmeyer@evansville.in.gov,
jelpers@evansville.in.gov,
jweaver@evansville.in.gov,
mmosby@evansville.in.gov,
mayor@evansville.in.gov
sschaefer@evansville.in.gov