“A note from 14 Crestwood families”

“Dear PoPville,

14 families from Crestwood collaborated to offer this response to the recent post regarding the development of a children’s play space in our neighborhood.

Many in the Crestwood community welcome and appreciate DPR’s decision to add play equipment to the green space at 18th and Argyle. While the space is occasionally used for community events like picnics, yoga and running clubs, birthday parties and soccer practices, it often sits empty. Adding play equipment expands the use of this green space and creates a walkable destination for children in the neighborhood for years to come.

A bit about the Crestwood community:

the neighborhood is approximately 800 households representing every aspect of diversity, as defined by wealth, race, demographics like age and number in households, and religion. Neighbors live in apartment buildings as well as large and small single family homes. Some neighbors have lived in Crestwood for 60+ years, while others with growing families, have moved in more recently. Across this diverse group, there seems to be a noticeable sense of agreement and shared commitment to creating a safe play space for all the children in the neighborhood.

Given the widespread support for adding play equipment in the green space, it is surprising and disheartening to read a post from an individual who wants to cancel it. There are a few residents who seek to influence elected officials and cast doubt upon DPR’s multi-year process of community engagement in order to steamroll and intimidate people. These actions seem motivated by classic NIMBY priorities. A few people who feel comfortable using their loud voices and influence should not override the clearly stated preferences of many in the Crestwood community.

To borrow a phrase, the best time to add play equipment to green space is twenty years ago and today. Many in Crestwood are grateful for DPR’s investment in our community, which will serve and nurture the next generation in the coming decades.”