Why change already popular Gulley Park?

Mr. Dave Kuhne wrote a well-thought-out letter (Aug. 14) full of questions addressing Gulley Park.

We have lived in the Gulley Park area since before it was purchased from Mrs. J. Gulley and have direct knowledge of the park. When it became the city’s property, the first thing on the agenda was “what can we do now?” Those items put forward were a full concrete volleyball court, a basketball court, a swimming pool, etc. We all got busy and passed the word that we did not need or want these items. The proposals died. Now that the city has purchased the Dunn’s property, we are to go through this again.

I have walked the park many, many times from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and there have always been people using the park. Some walking, some running, some walking their dogs, and some running with babies in running strollers. It has been a wonderful park just as it is. People from all over Fayetteville come to use and enjoy the park. The walking trail around the perimeter, as it is, has been sufficient for the thousands and thousands who have used the park and use it every day. Instead of making an expanded 12-foot multi-use trail, which we don’t really need, couldn’t all this money be used in other parks in the city. If something has to be done at Gulley, why not extend the walking trail all the way around the park.

We have people with their dogs using the park all the time. Why do we need a “dog park”? As Mr. Kuhne noted, has the EPA been apprised of this new development?

Why are we planting an apple orchard next to Apple Seed Farms? They do not take care of the property they are leasing, so why would they offer any assistance with the city’s orchard.

Gulley Park is a wonderful park that fits the needs of new moms with their babies all the way up to people in their 80s. Let’s keep it as it is — a wonderful park where weddings are held, concerts are held, birthday celebrations are held, family reunions are held, etc.

Let’s not lose this park with its own, quiet atmosphere, welcoming every one.