To the editor:

Re: 'Taking away greenspace does disservice to community: reader,' Letters, May 25

Thanks to Ms. Marconi for bringing up important issues around denaturalization of parkland as well as lack of transparency in providing planning information to nearby residents. Parkland is meant to be green and natural as well as providing a diversity of ecologies in the city and areas of natural habitat for urban wildlife. Parks provide natural surroundings enabling city dwellers, especially those from highrises to experience and enjoy elements in nature that sustain us. Urban citizens should have such opportunities for exercise and relaxation, even urban gardening close to where they live.

A beautiful portion of Centennial Park must not be permanently denaturalized and commercialized. Surely some industrial land can be found for an Olympic BMX stadium. Etobians deserve their original parkland and a legacy Olympic site.

Elizabeth Anders