(Note: This story has been updated on August 24, 2007. Statements have been added about a change of direction from the city toward preservation and an entire page has been added discussing more of the symbolism and political subtext of the pieces.)

Heights Park is due for a reinvention and the Richardson City Parks Department has been doing just that. Over the past few months they have held several public meetings and workshops in order to get public input into what will be Heights Park’s new face. Not surprisingly what produced the most emotion in the park plans is the four somewhat unique pieces of playground equipment. The rocket has especially attracted special attention.

In response to this I submitted an essay to the city staff, some of its consultants, and the city council regarding the symbolic value of the four playground pieces. From the plan update given to the city council at a work session on July 30, 2007, it appears the playground pieces are in danger of being removed and disrespected by the City.

Since then there was a semi-final plan presented on August 16, 2007 in which many residents voiced their opposition to removing the pieces. This apparently has moved the city toward possibly saving the pieces in one form or another. That form has yet to be determined. We will keep you updated as things change.

The Dallas Morning News and WFAA have covered the issue.

See the Dallas Morning News article here:
www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-rocketpark_06met.ART.State.Edition1.42fe445.html

See the WFAA video here:
www.wfaa.com/video/mojo-index.html

What I have learned after discussions with many people (some of whom I met at the park itself) is that there are a variety of reasons, diferent from my own reasons, that people express about saving the pieces. Some respect the history. Some the symbolism. Some are purely emotional. Some sentimental and nostalgic. This convinces me that there are many ways in which these pieces are important to the community and all of these reasons ought to be respected.

In the following pages I present reasons why I think all four piece ought to be saved in one form or another. This is the same essay I mentioned above. If you agree with me, or you have differing reasons why the pieces ought to be maintained, then please attend the meeting. Even your presence and voice at the meeting will help. Please e-mail me if you would like further information about what you can do to help.

Please read the following pages and get involved if you would like. I welcome any feedback. Thanks.