I attended the City Council meeting Aug. 13, and after hearing the city manager’s report it was clear to me that my efforts came too late. The petition to relocate the new nine holes of disc golf on Bancroft Bay Park was presented to our community last February.

My hope was that the City Council would reconsider their decision and try to save this beautiful federal government funded park that serves as a peaceful, quiet space in the city for people to walk a wonderful trail and enjoy the sighting of wildlife in their natural habitat.

I acted too late; the project is in the final stages. Many hours of volunteer work and city efforts are already invested.

I was disappointed with the confrontational attitude of some of the city councilors and some individuals who want to preserve the park. I appreciated the respectful silence of the majority of the city councilors during this discussion.

My deep gratitude to the hundreds of people who signed a petition to relocate the disc golf course and to all who attended the City Council meeting. We had a very diverse group in attendance; our presence represented our respect for the environment, and the animal habitats, which as we well know today are in critical condition, Dr. Bums, Dr. Blumer; thank you for your words to the City Council. It is my hope that future decisions involving the environment are carefully considered and our legacy to our children is good earth stewardship. The moral of the story is: Be informed, act timely. I am very sad.

 

Clemencia Gujral

Albert Lea