For over a hundred years, DeLaSalle is all about sharing with the community, making the community better, educating children who would not be accepted or couldn't afford tuition at other private schools, educating children from all backgorunds and challenging them to be of service to their communities after graduation. That is their core mission and it is not just talk, they are living it every day and have for decades. The statistics and countless stories bear this out. Nobody questions it. Previous post on list says: "they want THEIR OWN stadium just outside their front door...custom made to their specifications covered with their logos? And come' on folks, they have no intention of sharing THEIR OWN with the rabble." I am sorry that this person thinks park users are "rabble" and the "pesky public." We don't see them the same way. We see them as children, adults, immigrants and long time citizens, all with hopes and dreams and potential coming together to participate in park activities. DeLaSalle High School, it's students, parents, alumni and other supporters are part of the fabric of this city, we love this city and want to see it and all its people succeed. We want to share with park users, park kids, park teams, other teams, etc. You can take that to the bank. When the MPRB bought up all the land around DeLaSalle in the 80's they made a legal commitment, in the very same document that allowed the private residents to live on park land, to "construct upon property adjacent to the DeLaSalle property an outdoor neighborhood recreational and athletic facility." This interpretation is agreed upon by a super majority of the park board, and outside legal counsel. All legal agreements can be disputed. It is why we have a supreme court. But I've read the document and it looks to me like a promise (and an obligation of the MPRB). 35% of the kids at DeLaSalle come from single family households. Being able to host after-school activities is incredibly important to being able to support these families. The way DeLaSalle does it now, busing kids to Benilde or Ft. Snelling for practices makes it impossible to provide the supportive after-school presence kids need on the school campus. That is why the playing field needs to at the school. As for looking at alternative sites, we are currently using alternative sites and have been forever, and it doesn't meet the needs of the families. Previous post on list says: "And just where would these kids come from...if they don't live on the island? Would they have to "bus it" to De La Salle? Is there an actual demand for kids in Park Board programs to use the De La Salle facilty and are their funds to "bus" them there?"
In terms of busing park kids to parks, they would get to the Nicollet Island park the same way they get to any park. Maybe they'll take a bus, maybe their parents will drive them, maybe they'll walk, maybe they'll bicycle or take a scooter. And is there a demand? Yes! We have heard from soccer coaches, soccer families and park users all over the city - the park system needs more fields. I invite everyone who is wondering if this is a good deal or not - visit the area. There are 3 MPRB tennis courts there now. It only makes sense that a multi-use sports field will benefit more kids. Better yet - call me and I'll show you around personally! I'll buy you a cup of coffee. Here's my home number 612-925-5884. Or call DeLaSalle at 612-676-7600. Nikki Carlson Linden Hills DeLaSalle Parent REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
