Thompson Park should be cherished and protected, not taken away

I am appealing to Mayor Richard Pucci and the Board of Education and our Freeholders and our citizens to reconsider their plans for taking our Thompson Park away from the people.

I agree that a school needs to be built for the benefit of our students — but not in the park. Once our park is gone, we can never get it back. There is other land available for this school.

The park belongs to everyone — young old and in between. I fear that if these people have their way, Thompson Park will only be a memory for our grandchildren. If we give up 35 acres today, what will stop them from asking for more tomorrow? Isn’t it possible that the new school will not be enough 10 years from now? You see what I am saying — if we give up now we are doomed. Our grandchildren will only see pictures of this beautiful park from days gone by in a book.

Education is very important, but so is the quality of life issue. People need space and trees and animals to live. You can’t get that experience from reading a book. You must live it. Remember the walks in the park, the sledding, watching your little ones run, feeding the animals. How can a school replace that? This is living and enjoying it.

Thompson Park should be cherished and protected. So please, Mayor Pucci and our Board of Education and our Freeholders and also our citizens, don’t make this mistake that will make all of Monroe, Jamesburg and any other town’s residents who enjoy our park pay the price for your shortsighted decision.

Lana Ahearn

Monroe