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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park Public Comment from Diedre Combs 3-6-14                           To  Whom  It  May  Concern:     I  write  today  to  enthusiastically  support  the  creation  of  the  Story  Mill  Community  Park  as   proposed  by  Trust  For  Public  Lands.         We  are  given  pivotal  opportunities  to  shape  Bozeman’s  future  and,  I  believe,  the  adoption  of   this   park   is   one   of   them.   The   Story   Mill   Community   Park  creates   great   recreational,   environmental  and  community  benefit  while  enhancing  economically  the  city’s  north  side.   We  would  be  lucky  indeed  to  have  another  location  within  the  city  where  residents  can   walk,  run  and  recreate.    I  am  constantly  struck  by  the  high  utilization  of  our  current  parks,   and  suspect  that  this  will  be  a  well-­‐used  and  valued  addition  to  our  park  system.       The  area’s  wetlands  are  a  precious  resource.    That  we  also  have  the  opportunity  to  restore   habitat  for  area  birds  and  other  wildlife,  I  hope  the  committee  will  consider  important.       I  want  to  highlight  the  importance  of  creating  space  where  we  can  foster  community.  As   Bozeman  grows  and  we  spend  more  and  more  time  in  cars  and  in  single-­‐family  homes,  we   set  ourselves  apart.  Meanwhile,  our  health  and  happiness  rely  on  time  and  spaces  where  we   can  gather  with  friends  and  neighbors  and  be  part  of  a  greater  whole.  Studies  consistently   show   that   frequent   isolation   does   not   support  our  personal  health.  The  Story  Mill   Community  Park  is  based  on  creating  community,  and  do  we  not  want  this  to  be  a  core   value  of  Bozeman,  MT?     As   a  leadership  consultant   and   professor,   I   spend   my   days   supporting   others   to  craft   compelling  visions.  I  call  others  to  think  big  about  how  we  can  make  the  world  a  better   place.   The   Story   Mill   Community   Park   proposal   is   this   sort   of   vision.     It   gives   us   as   community   members   the   ability   to   leave  a  positive  and  enduring  legacy  for  future   Bozemanites  and  its  wildlife.       With  respect,       Dr.  Deidre  Combs