From: Andrew Russell
To: City Council
Subject: Ives Park Renovation Plan
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2022 6:41:19 PM
Dear City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the Ives Park plan and restoration of Calder Creek, but absolutely not for removing Polley Field from the park. I understand that the Updated Charette plan upgrades the park, restores Calder Creek and saves the field. That plan strikes a nice balance.
The experience of playing Little League baseball, which Sebastopol Little League has been providing our community since 1957 is invaluable. I still remember when my son was 4 and we were headed to the playground at Laguna Park. A baseball practice was on Clahan field, and a ball had flown over the fence. My son threw it back to the coach who said, “hey you have a good arm, maybe you could play baseball next year”. My son came over to me and said, “hey dad, I want to play baseball”. His experiences over the next 10 years, playing with Sebastopol Little League were amazing. He has made friends and developed physically and emotionally through these experiences. If you multiply this by thousands, you can appreciate the benefit that Sebastopol Little League has provided our community over generations.
Having Polley Field in Ives park, where kids can walk or ride bikes to games and practices is a treasure for our community. Removing it would be a shame. I am strongly opposed to any renovation plan that involves the removal of Polley Field.
Thank you,
Andrew Russell