Two young citizens shared their disappointment over the closing of the San Angelo Nature Center at today's City Council meeting. The two testifiers enjoyed the center as they grew and volunteered for the organization.
They asked city leaders to reconsider the closing and explore fundraising and public-private partnerships.
Not one elected official responded to the concerns other than Mayor Gunter thanking them for their comments. No paid city leaders offered a word on what most citizens found to be a sudden and shocking development.
Public Information staff removed most of its web pages regarding the Nature Center, however it remained in the description of the city's Recreation Department.
The Recreation Division manages facilities such as the City's three recreation centers, Municipal Pool, the San Angelo Nature Center and the Texas Bank Sports Complex. Additionally, Recreation is responsible for a host of programming, including Senior Services, Athletics, an aquatic program, summer day camps and special events like the annual Date Night.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes and agendas for 2023 make no mention of problems at the Nature Center.
City Council is in the midst of its Strategic Planning sessions. There has been no sharing of concerns at the Nature Center in Council planning sessions, this year or for the last several.
City Council members charged Parks Director Carl White to look ahead thirty years in planning for improvements at the River Stage. Contrast that with today's news regarding the Nature Center and City Council's silence. It closed without a peep.
The closing of the Nature Center removes one obstacle in developing the area around Mary Lee Park, a longtime goal of the city. Once the new sewage line is in place the development doors should swing wide open.
I commend the two young persons who rose to speak at City Council today. It may be their first real lesson in civics. Their suggestions deserve an answer.
Update 8-10-23: City Council minutes state:
Citizens Jason Davis (SMD5) and Cecile Goodman (SMD5) spoke against the closing of the San Angelo Nature Center.And they received not one word in reply to their concerns and requests.
1 comment:
It's a shame. Our grandaughter had her 2nd birthday party there in March and we all had a real good time. The person who ran the show was very knowlegeable and a great entertainer for the audience. We loved it.
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