Dear City of Long Beach Officials,

 

We, the residents of Long Beach, are writing this petition to express our deep concern and opposition to the City of Long Beach’s plan to utilize the Silverado Park Gymnasium as a Temporary Emergency Shelter.

As members of this community, we are aware of the pressing need to address homelessness in our city. However, we believe that the City of Long Beach’s plan to utilize the Silverado Gymnasium is not the appropriate solution.

The Silverado Gymnasium is a crucial source of physical and mental health, serving as a place for exercise, recreation, and community building. The loss of this gymnasium would have a devastating impact on our community, leaving us without a place to stay active and healthy.

Although the City has stated that is has a plan to ensure that the clients of the shelter will be contained, we believe that the increased activity in the park that is not in alignment with the with purpose of a park will negatively impact the quality of life in and near the park.

The City’s plan to utilize Silverado Park as a temporary shelter will create an undue and unreasonable burden upon the surrounding community. The Silverado Park Gymnasium is only public gymnasium west of the 710 freeway.

According to the Report on Racial Equity and Reconciliation Initiative a goal of the City is to “Increase access to park space and recreation programming to foster physical activity, community connections, and safe places for children and families to play in park equity zones in North, Central and West Long Beach.”

Converting the Silverado Park Gymnasium is contrary to the City’s goal. All programing currently delivered inside of the Gymnasium will come to a halt.

The City of Long Beach’s Parks, Recreation and Marine mission is “We create community and enhance the quality of life in Long Beach through people, places, programs, and partnerships.” The decision to utilize Silverado Park Gymnasium is not in alignment with the City’s own mission, nor does it meet the City’s goals in the Strategic Plan of Parks, Recreation and Marine, as listed: 

·       Ensure Open Space Parks and Recreational Facilities Meet Community Needs.

·       Ensure City Parks and Recreational Facilities Provide a Positive Experience and Image.

·       Ensure Recreational Programming, Leisure Opportunities, and Community Services Meet the Diverse Needs and Interests of Residents and Visitors.

We demand that the City of Long Beach cease and desist from its plan to utilize the Silverado Park Gymnasium and the area surrounding the gymnasium for an Emergency Homeless Shelter. We demand that the City of Long Beach find an alternative location. 

We respectfully request a prompt response to this petition and a meeting with City officials to discuss alternative solutions to this issue.

Sincerely,

Residents of Long Beach