Wise Choices for Girls supports Measure A

As founder of Wise Choices for Girls, an organization meant to create a culturally enriched community of girls who are positive, productive, determined and successful individuals, I would like to announce that we are joining groups such as the League of Women Voters in full support of the proposed Measure A tax extension (without an increase) for parks, open space and agriculture.

With funding for organizations such as ours, we can explore parks in areas of Marin. Given this opportunity, we have gathered girls, families and community members to join us in this endeavor of nature. Wise girls and families have reported their most effective outings have been our community park events. Our girls now range from middle schoolers to college students and beyond.

One of our visits was to the duck pond in San Rafael. None of us were aware that the same space was used for the county fair. We were pleasantly surprised to know we were able to use the space for grilling with picnic areas to feed the community. We were fascinated by the rituals of the ducks. Although some of the group members' parents had been here all their lives, they had not used that space at all. That has now changed.

With this opportunity, it allowed our members and families to explore the world outside of our “brick and mortar” existence.

Nancy Hoang, one of our college students, expressed that it was refreshing to get away from technology, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The parks were large enough to keep our social distance, but still be together. Instead of seeing each other on Facetime and Zoom, it was more authentic to meet in person and in nature.

It has been an honor to discover and explore Marin County parks outside our usual habitats. Please join us in support of Measure A, to ensure all people the opportunity to learn about their own parks.

— Alexis Wise, Sausalito