Communities Need More Greenspace, Not Less
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Dear Editor,
I want to write and show my support for the efforts locally to acquire the large 2.2-acre grassy field behind Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in New Glarus. That greenspace has been part of the New Glarus community for more than 50 years, and used by many more people than just those on the southwest side of the village. At a time when studies show communities need more greenspace, not less, I think it would be a tragedy if that area, which is essentially an extension to Candy Cane Park, was lost to private ownership and developed.
Greenspace in urban areas help improve health, protect the environment, reduce depression, increase land value, and encourage economic development in a community. It is my humble opinion that village government needs to help the local citizens group acquire this land in a public-private partnership, allow naming rights to be sold to help raise additional funds for its purchase, and assume the management and maintenance of that area if and when it is purchased. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and I am confident this community will need more greenspace in the future, not less. So why not save the money necessary to do so and protect the greenspace New Glarus already has?
Sincerely,
Todd Klassy,
New Glarus
