The “Protect Our Parks” initiative campaign continues to confuse and divide our community. Taking the issue to a vote would likely add further confusion or worse, indifference. The initiative as written could lead to unexpected park usage restrictions on activities citizens enjoy and have come to expect.

Further, and frankly, I am dismayed by issue distractions circulated such as the language in the recent letter to the Reporter editor, which stated “Voting is our right, do not deny our rights.” This is applying an unfair contextual treatment of the matter at hand. That is to say, the community should direct its input about proceeding with the MICA project to the officials it elected to represent the broad interests of our Island. This is our political process, not the engagement of an off-Island political action group, as has been done by the Protect Our Parks group to further its’ viewpoint.

The MICA project is a visionary anchor for the future of the Island’s downtown core. Yes, it is a reach but so was the Community Center at Mercer View. Look at how it is used and appreciated. MICA will provide a place for extensive and creative partnerships on and off-Island and be a magnet of cultural experiences for all ages.

MICA will add to, not take away from our beautiful and multi-use Mercerdale Park. The MICA footprint is based on reclaiming the abandoned and unsightly area of the former recycling center. It will not cause loss of park. Its’ design does not intrude into Mercerdale Park. We can trust that any issues of environmental sensitivity will not be overlooked.

Anyone who has done any remodeling on the Island knows how detail-oriented our city Planning Department can be. MICA is not redundant to past improvements made at the high school already over-scheduled by their extensive performing arts programs. It offers a variety of multi-use spaces for creating and showcasing the arts for the entire community.

It is time to come together. People can rescind their signatures from “Protect Our Parks.” People can contact City Council members to voice their opinions. Anyone wanting more perspective can go to www.supportmiparksandarts.com for additional food for thought.

Beth Cordova

Mercer Island