As residents of Minneapolis, we are proud of our Park System. But most of us have little knowledge of it�s origin. It is important to educate our citizens, especially the children regarding the history and development of the 6400-acre system and understand the significant contributions of people like HWS Cleveland, Charles Loring and Theodore Wirth.
An opportunity exists now to do just that. The former Wirth residence has been designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The non-profit Minneapolis Parks Legacy Society has plans to develop a museum in part of the house devoted to the legacy of Wirth and the other important figures involved. This would be a privately funded endeavor assisted by Wirth�s grandson Ted. Additional space in the building could be used for Park Board Horticulturists who currently have to rent a trailer for $800.00 per month plus utilities, located on the same block as the Wirth House. The 18-room house, which is owned by the Park Board, is currently leased to an outside tenant for only $750.00 per month. The Park Board pays for all utilities. It makes little sense to continue that �sweetheart� deal unless someone has some close personal connections. To ignore this local history would be taking our Park System for granted. The decision is up to the Park Board Commissioners to allow this project to go ahead. If it doesn�t happen, a wonderful opportunity will be lost. The lease should not be renewed. Mary Belfry __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax http://taxes.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
