attached mail follows:

Greetings,
I am writing as a neighbor of the Encinal School in response to City
Council Member John Boyle's Email Newsletter item about a proposal from
MPCSD to ask MP for $1.1 million to improve the Encinal School playing
fields.

1. I would go slow, given that the school is in Atherton City
boundaries, and given the history of our previous "cooperation" to build
the M-A Performing Arts Center. Hasn't Atherton sued MP over some usage
issues? Couldn't a similar thing happen again?

2. Philosophically, I am oppose to an artificial surface. True, the cost
may be less, both initially and for maintenance. But do little kids
really need an artificial surface for games? I think they are safer on
grass--who pays for the possible liability of the increases in twisted
knees and ankles? (Parent of grown children speaking)

3. Third claim is for "increased usage." Traffic during school days is
already a mess because of the indulgent taxi drivers (parents) who give
rides to their little kids (seems nobody knows how to walk or ride a
bike to school anymore). So now we add an additional traffic mess on
weekends (Saturdays) because of increased usage.

Seems to me we should keep it green and natural. Go for the grass, not
the plastic turf.

PS: I would appreciate your sharing this with other members of the Parks
and Rec Commission. Many thanks
Received on Wed Mar 7 14:41:37 2007