From a Neighbour

I am a long time resident and homeowner in J. Park and worked for TUSD for 18 years. I did do some work off and on over the year at J. Park Elementary (I was an itinerant teacher trainer in special ed.). For 7 years I lived close enough to hear the daily announcements in the morning from my house.

I was crushed, as many were, when J. Park closed. It is a charming school with a strong history involving community and individuals with disabilities. It has one of the very few playgrounds with wheelchair accessible equipment in the city and that came about through a strong and dedicated family who has a son with muscular dystrophy.

As crushed as I was, I could not have envisioned a better tenant than you.  Your philosophy, focus and commitment to community and connectedness is a perfect fit for he school and for the neighborhood.

Thank you for taking the time to craft such a detailed email. Many others who may not respond or be on the listserve are behind all of your effort.

Having been in "the business" for almost 30 years, I know that one of the best solutions is to clean it all up. Re-grow that garden and include things with colorful blooms. Replace the yellowing marquee in the front and post regularly updated events. And start displaying signs of children ... color, art, outdoor decorations.

We all knew that the longer the school looked abandoned, the worse it would be treated. I believe the reverse to be true ... the more it has life in it, especially the spirit of children, the more it will be respected. Signs of children and learning are stronger than the signs hung on fences.

Hang in there! Know that you are appreciated and supported!

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