Anonymous wrote:First, it wasn't a protest. The NPS was required to hold the meeting. Second, the group was diverse. Third, there is nothing wrong with asking questions.
Nobody believes that the tennis courts don't need upgrading. They look awful. I think some people are questioning how the process is being done and are asking questions.
It is VERY unusual for a transfer to occur in less than three months. By law, the federal government is required to do an environmental assessment before issuing a lease. Does a 30 year assessment count? I don't know, but I'd like to have time to find out.
What role. has the DC government played? They wanted to be a partner, now maybe they don't, even though reports suggest DC dropped out of negotiations. Why? I would love more answers.
This isn't a binary issue. Development of the park or no development. What is at take is the right kind of development. How about preserving the picnic areas but making them nice and incorporating them into the tennis tournament. Space to eat is probably needed. You could have a cool barbecue and bar station with a band after the tournament. A splash park for kids could be great for hot spectators who just need to cool down. You could create a dog park (surrounded by the tress and with real grass) that could double as something else.
Many of us in DC don't want the federal government to disregard DC yet again!
If you care about this issue and want to have a voice, please consider signing the petition. I am not sure it will help but I feel better knowing that I tried.
https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-destruction-of-a-national-public-park-rock-creek-park-tennis-center