Much more than ‘property’

Hundreds of Spokane residents regularly use the South Hill Dog Park. Now a closed-door deal between the city and schools threatens its elimination. At the joint meeting of council and the school board a school spokesman referred to the park as “the property adjacent to Mullan Road School.” Much more than that lifeless description, it is a living, breathing tribute to the heart and soul of the people of this community.

None of the hundreds of dog park users were even told about the possibility of the park being eliminated, before this became a done deal. The recent charade of a public meeting allowed minimal public input but only after a deal had already been struck.

Now the city and schools say they will “work diligently” to find a new home. Where have they been? Although a glitzy presentation was made, complete with PowerPoint and shiny handouts, no mention was made of the dog park or any plans for an alternative.

The city of Spokane covers about 60 square miles. Surely, there are other parcels to place a new middle school without destroying this long-standing community treasure that means so much to so many.

Ted Meckler

Spokane