Courtesy of Ruth DeSantis and Sandy Lippe; photo courtesy of Don Hotz. Sign a virtual petition to renovate Marcy Park at http://tiny.cc/marcypark.
University City residents are fortunate to have a jewel right in their midst: MARCY PARK. This diamond in the rough is located on the rim of a beautiful and quiet canyon along Stresemann Street. Marcy Park is adjacent to lovely single family homes and the prestigious Mission Bay Montessori Academy (MBMA).
It should be a park that makes residents proud, yet it has fallen into a sad state over the decades and many liken it to the forgotten child. For years Marcy Park has received the least funding and attention of all our area parks. Several trees have come down over the years without being replanted, park benches destroyed but never replaced and playground equipment inaccessible to those children with special needs.
The park is not enjoyed by MBMA students, as it should be, and residents often choose to take their children and grandchildren to other parks because of the lack of current and safe playground equipment. Six years ago there was considerable effort made to renovate Marcy Park but the timing was not right and the funding was not available.
Fortunately now, in 2016, the tide seems to have turned and those plans have been resurrected to revitalize Marcy Park and restore it to its original grandeur. In an effort co-chaired between longtime residents, Ruth DeSantis and Don Hotz, there is once again hope for Marcy Park.
If they are to succeed this time, it will require the overwhelming support of the community. Plans will propose replacement of lost trees and park benches/tables, renovation of the existing play structure to be limited to 1-5 year-olds, with the addition of a new play area for older children with their own swings and climbing equipment.
As shown in the attached picture, new play equipment would blend in with nature, and a shade structure would be added. For adults, stretching and exercise stations with resting benches would be added adjacent to the walking path to create a “healthy heart” trail. Broken water fountains would be fixed and grading would be adjusted to make the park ADA accessible. Public restrooms would not be added and parking would remain as is, retaining the local private park feel and safety of Marcy Park.
The time is right for this renovation but it won’t happen without your support. Ruth and Don invite readers to sign a virtual petition to renovate Marcy Park at http://tiny.cc/marcypark . This matter was heard at the University City Community Association meeting on March 9 and will be discussed again at the next Standley Park Recreation Council meeting on Thursday, April 28 at 7 PM at Standley Recreation Center.
Please feel free to attend to show your support or contact Ruth DeSantis at rgd@san.rr.com or Don Hotz at don.hotz@yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments.
To view related posts, visit https://www.universitycitynews.org/category/parks-recreation-dept/
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