Thank you for those that have posted comments so far, whether on our blog or via the comment collector. To share the comments from the collector, we will be compiling them and posting them generally within a week of receipt. Remember that for posting comments to the collector, we do need a first and last name (you can always request that it not be listed when we post them). If you would like a direct response, please provide a valid email or phone number. Responses will also be posted here if we are unable to get a hold of you. Here are more comments we've received to date:
Interesting comment posted for the existing features at Russian Jack from the previous post ["More Student Input from Begich Middle School"], but it's not wise to discount future leaders in our community from bringing forth their ideas. Not a single student who imagined for a minute what RJSP might be is as stupid as you imply, shame on you. I happen to think that an obstacle course (ropes course?) through the woods or a simple set of swings might go a long way in providing outdoor recreation and 'play' opportunities in our parks. Maintenance - as always everywhere - is a challenge (as is safety) but the investment of young people in our parks by a simple brainstorming measure about what they might envision in a public space shouldn't be ridiculed so quickly but instead evaluated for merit and pondered about for creative inclusion. - name requested to be withheld
Frankly, "name held on request", I did not imply that anyone was "stupid" and it is a shame that you did not read my comments more carefully as you might have been able to appropriately infer that I am terribly disappointed in the adults involved in that what might otherwise have been a very valuable process was instead contaminated in an unfortunate manner. In 1971 I was told that my ideas regarding imaging neural function using magnets was so ludicrous that whomever had placed me in an honors university psych class had been misguided; believe me I understand that young people may have something to offer. However, brainstorming on its own is of nominal value and it is clear from the materials presented that the exercise did not include peer reflection, analysis or criticism. Moreover, the exercise apparently included nothing about the history of usage of park resources in the area, information that would have informed the students' considerations. Most importantly, however, we see students who are not outside 8 months of the year if at all, students who are unfamiliar with parks in their area, students who are interested in throwing or shooting things at other students. Maybe a few less Xboxes, Wiis, and televisions in our homes would be the best things we can do for the parks......
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