This petition, supported by the undersigned, is directed to the Mayor, Austin City Council, and Park Officials of Austin, Texas. It's goal is to support the construction of a park in Highland neighborhood on the city owned property located at 401 W. St. Johns. -Unlike many areas of the city, only one percent of the land in Highland is devoted to open space -Not only is there a deficit of parks and open space in Highland neighborhood, there are also very few options for space that can be developed -A centrally-located park on the city owned property at St. Johns would be a valuable addition to the under-served community in Highland neighborhood -Parks enhance a community's quality of life by providing opportunities for increased physical activity and social ties; likewise, they promote the well-being of both children and adults -Multiple studies have also shown that urban green spaces increase property values and decrease crime In light of the above information, we the undersigned therefore ask that a public park be constructed on the city owned land at 401 W. St. Johns. While the development of this park would require relocation of the University Hills Optimists' programs that use this city land, the neighborhood association is working with the city to find alternate fields for the Optimist program, which at present does not permit inclusive neighborhood use of the space.

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