Citizen Quotes on Preserving Mills Lawn as a Park

As an Antioch alum, I feel it's important to honor the intent of the space when it was gifted.
##############

This is so sad! I know the only constant is change, but even though NYC has many parks you wouldn't get rid of Central Park. That area provides a safe place for our children to play as mine did ago. And it would totally change the character of Yellow Springs.
##############

I love your efforts. They are historically important and Mills lawn is of value to the community feel of this community.
##############

AS a former teacher at Mills Lawn, I cannot imagine teaching without the wonderful Green Space we used in a variety ways.
##############
I think it is important to make the case that it is important to keep Greenspace within the downtown of the village. Yes we have the glen and John Bryan State Park but having a large open, flat space in which to walk , take our pets, and have a place for children to play in town is what makes a strong community center. I read an article about that a while back but cannot remember where except that putting schools on the outskirts of town moves children away from town life and makes a negative impact on community involvement...OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF MIND in a way.
##############

There is a tree there for my father in law who passed away. Please preserve.
##############

The loss of Mills Lawn as community greenspace would change the character of Yellow Springs irreparably. Thank you sincerely for your collective efforts.
##############
My uncle has a tree planted on that land and it would be wrong to cut that down and turn it into a parking lot. That tree is now a memorial for my uncle as he has passed away, he has a son (my cousin, Parker Bingenheimer) who that tree is very special to, including the rest of us Bingenheimers. Please don't do this.
##############

Public space is so important! Open space is important!

Thank you for this effort!! We talk about this weekly in our house. We will have to work hard and stay loud as my experience of both those organizations is that they do not listen to the people. Willing to help.
##############

Thank you for organizing! I and my children who went to Mills lawn school feel strongly that Mills Lawn should be preserved and the elementary school stay where it is. Hoping we don’t have a big fight on our hands —- again. I don’t understand this board and school leaders.

##############

I believe it would be a travesty even if the Greenspace is only partially developed. From what I’ve read, the original intention of this parcel of land when it was granted to our school system, was to keep this space green and not developed for housing, parking lots, etc. I cringe when I try to imagine what that might look like.
##############

I purchased my home because it faced the green space. I’ve watched plays and soccer games from my porch swing. Seen families playing, people playing disc golf. The green space is used constantly. I see it. It needs to remain green.
##############

It’s unfortunate that the school board is considering selling this land to raise money for new school facilities. For various reasons state money for new buildings was rejected but now it’s ok to sell this property for money and then housing. It is essential to keep this land as green space IF it is sold.
##############

Preserving the Mills Lawn green space is imperative and non-negotiable for any number of environmental, historical, community, and common sense reasons. I'm sad to think anyone in a position to sell it only sees the dollars, not the real value to our Village.
##############

Very important work you are doing. Let me know if I can help in any way.
##############

It is important to preserve the green space behind Mills Lawn and I agree that the needs of the school need not include getting rid of the green space that has been so much a part of the recreation of the village. We talk so much about wanting to preserve nature and the thought of covering that space with concrete and buildings will forever change what living in Yellow Springs is for those of us who want and do live here. More concrete, brick, and mortar will certainly raise the heat in yellow springs but not in a way that positively affects the community. We do not need more stores in town. We do not need more buildings. We have a perfectly good space at the edge of our community, a stone’s throw from the downtown. It is the Antioch Midwest Building . If we are interested in keeping this a peaceful town we need to focus on what makes it that way. Let’s focus on keeping the best of what YSO is and use the structures we already have and the land that is right behind the Antioch Midwest building to build on, the CBE as I believe it is still known. It is a short walk to downtown from there.
##############

Mills Lawn is a very special place and keeping that green space downtown is such a boon for
community events and our children.
##############

Green space is essential to the life of humanity. This Green space is essential because it's centrally located.
Also used for first amendment activities.
##############

Mills Lawn has been used as a public park for our sons' entire childhood and we have many cherished memories there. It is a joy and privilege to have greenspace in our Village, and we must fight to preserve it.
##############

For the sake of the whole community, keep it green.  Thanks.
##############

 I'll stop by the credit union to make a donation. Otherwise, how else can I help?
##############

As an Antioch alum, I feel it's important to honor the intent of the space when it was gifted.
##############

Thank you, one and all for bringing this to our attention.
##############

Once it’s gone, it’s gone
##############

My main thought is a simple one: the greenspace should be kept a greenspace. This seems important ecologically, aesthetically, and spiritually -- meaning linked to the hearts and spirits of we who live in Yellow Springs. I've heard people voice the view that the space needs recreation and attractions to draw in more residents and visitors. This seems to me fundamentally misguided. The space has value in and of itself, as a "green place" that's home to stunning and historic trees, a pollinator waystation, and open space for low-impact play, reflection, and strolling. As Yellow Springs develops and "densifies," we need a place that's not filled in, and the land itself needs a place that's not encroached by the built environment and heavy human use. This is the essence of coexistence between humans and the rest of life, and it seems so central to the ethos of Yellow Springs. If we can't protect and value the natural world "for itself" here -- where will this happen?
I guess I see this issue in a large frame, as a matter of how we live and what we hold dear. Even if the greenspace is lightly used now, and continues to be lightly used into the future, it asks for our protection and respect. Its value doesn't stem from recreational use, development potential, or any other specifically human measures. It has intrinsic value, at once profound and fragile. Once a greenspace is gone -- it's gone.
Thanks for reading! I've been a quiet but strong supporter of the campaign. I've held back a little, mainly because I've been enjoying being "private" after my years reporting for the YS News. But I'm concerned about how this plays out, and deeply appreciate the work the committee has done so far.
All best, Audrey Hackett