The Park and the Arts

Over the past few years there has been much said about Warner Park in Woodland Hills. I have observed various community functions unite to preserve the open park. What the future may hold for that park is anyone’s guess. But what is certain is the fact that the people who live in the immediate surroundings of that park united together to save and preserve the park.

While writing this, I’m trying to understand what it is about this park that the Cultural Foundation finds so exciting. With total disregard for the surrounding community, the foundation continues to go forward with plans to put a permanent building for arts in this nice little open park that has clean grass, trees and an openness about it that cannot be found unless you travel outside of Woodland Hills. Just what is it about this park that has required a community to vent so much energy to save it?

I have attended the Cultural Foundation’s various functions at the park. All were very nice. People came from north, south, east and west, some more than 50 miles. Everyone loved the openness. A portable bandstand still remains in the park. It is just that openness that makes this park vulnerable to the future?

Until someone will come forward and explain to me the importance of a culture and arts center in this park that cannot be located elsewhere, I will personally continue to help save this park. Bronze plaques and statues will never replace the beauty of green grass and trees.

RONALD H. RICH

Reseda