Preserve Freddy’s Park
Hearts out to Wandermere folks and their little patch of heaven nestled behind Fred Meyer. In 2001, Freddy’s Park joined our county park system. It isn’t maintained and litter abounds. Still, it remains a regularly used and appreciated open community space with plenty of parking at the trail head.
I explored Freddy’s after learning the county commissioners and developer, whose consciences are in their pockets, seek to plow a two-way street through this narrow park’s heart to a proposed apartment complex. As I walked, I met grandparents, parents and babies in strollers enjoying the natural trail.
The Spokesman’s recent article lulls the reader into believing that the presence of litter justifies eliminating this bona fide park. Sadly, assorted people and their dogs forget their manners and use public spaces as their dumping grounds. So, is this sufficient reason to give up Freddy’s Park to benefit/enrich a developer? No. Keep the promise of this park’s potential intact.
Fred Meyer Corporation’s 2001 park donation was a gesture of goodwill to its neighbors, stating the land must be preserved “only as a natural, community or regional park.” Even an unmaintained park is worthy of preservation.
Tina Wynecoop
Colbert