Page 80 - Life In Naples Magazine December 2014 Edition
P. 80
NAPLES RESIDENTS
SHOW SUPPORT FOR THEIR PARK
by Kelly Merritt
W hen the people speak, elected officials should hear them. Baker Park has earned
the moniker ‘The People’s Park’ for a reason. The people of Naples have funded
half of it. The people of Naples have made it a reality. And perhaps most
importantly, the people of Naples have designed it. Naples citizens have spoken. Will
City Council listen?
“We need to proceed with the Baker Park plan and build the park like the people
have designed it – the city residents have voted for this plan by coming to the design
meetings and with their pocketbooks,” said Mayor John Sorey, who heralds everyone
from big donors to countless contributors who have given everything from pavers to $5.
“Regardless of the amount, anyone who is willing to give their treasure to Baker Park is
equally committed and has the same level of passion for the park as someone who has
donated millions.”
It’s a mystery why someone would oppose any element of an outdoor space conceived
by the very people who will use the park most, and which will provide green space,
unrivaled play areas for children and encourage wellness. But many Naples citizens
remain concerned that some council members will try to alter their park plan. Their fears
surround a City Council Workshop on December 15. The design, which has been so
carefully thought out by the citizens with the help of a team of architects, is the spirit of
the park.
It’s easy to be passionate about a project that means so much, to so many people.
But as the saying goes, removing passion from facts tells the real story. So here they are:
• 28 public meetings – that’s TWENTY EIGHT public meetings – resulted in
80 Life in Naples | December 2014
SHOW SUPPORT FOR THEIR PARK
by Kelly Merritt
W hen the people speak, elected officials should hear them. Baker Park has earned
the moniker ‘The People’s Park’ for a reason. The people of Naples have funded
half of it. The people of Naples have made it a reality. And perhaps most
importantly, the people of Naples have designed it. Naples citizens have spoken. Will
City Council listen?
“We need to proceed with the Baker Park plan and build the park like the people
have designed it – the city residents have voted for this plan by coming to the design
meetings and with their pocketbooks,” said Mayor John Sorey, who heralds everyone
from big donors to countless contributors who have given everything from pavers to $5.
“Regardless of the amount, anyone who is willing to give their treasure to Baker Park is
equally committed and has the same level of passion for the park as someone who has
donated millions.”
It’s a mystery why someone would oppose any element of an outdoor space conceived
by the very people who will use the park most, and which will provide green space,
unrivaled play areas for children and encourage wellness. But many Naples citizens
remain concerned that some council members will try to alter their park plan. Their fears
surround a City Council Workshop on December 15. The design, which has been so
carefully thought out by the citizens with the help of a team of architects, is the spirit of
the park.
It’s easy to be passionate about a project that means so much, to so many people.
But as the saying goes, removing passion from facts tells the real story. So here they are:
• 28 public meetings – that’s TWENTY EIGHT public meetings – resulted in
80 Life in Naples | December 2014
