The park board has reversed their decision and Chris will remain our host in Jess Martin Park. This outcome reflects the genuine care our community holds for those who look after our shared spaces. I am grateful for the collective persistence that reminded our officials of the value Chris and …
November 12, 2016
Keep our community Park Host, Chris Gardner, of Jess Martin Park in Julian.
Final supporters
Chris Gardner has been the Jess Martin Park volunteer park hosts for 6 years.
In exchange for his service, Chris and his wife Jane, a retired RN, live onsite of the park in their RV. Chris goes beyond the expectations in his role as "park host" by providing 24/7 overall care, cleanliness, and security of the park.
Chris's duties include, but are not limited to the following areas of this 9 acre park:
- Playground
- Exercise path
- Skate park
- Picnic Tables
- Ball fields
- Restrooms
- Community outreach and support
- Security
Both Chris and Jane are valued members of the community. Chris has offered community service without a salary as the park host of Jess Martin Park and the Julian community. Chris has not only kept the community/family-oriented park safe and clean, he has also watched out for our children for six years. There are many examples of his care and services : we have felt safe knowing that they were there when our teens skateboarded or when our car wouldn't start when it got dark.
However, despite going far and beyond for our community park, Chris was recently told that the park was going in "another direction" and that someone with "different skills" was needed as a host. Chris and disabled wife, Jane,were given only 30 days to find a new home in a terrifying rental market.
This is not an example of compassion and appreciation for free services; it is likely to leave two seniors and Jane's service dog in training - each beloved community members, entirely homeless right before winter.
Jess Martin Park is Julian's park. We pay taxes for it, we picnic there, we take our little ones to the playground, play sports, celebrate birthdays, snow sledding, Quinceañera's, and much more.
We, the undersigned, respectfully ask that Chris and Jane be allowed to keep their home at the park, even if another host is added for additional services. If it is not possible to add a host or otherwise, at the very least, allow them to keep living there in their home until another opportunity presents itself.
We also wish to see Chris and Jane treated with dignity and reasonable notice of not less than 90 days given.
Updates
October 23, 2016
The stories many of you have shared about Chris and Jane confirm that their presence in Jess Martin Park represents much more than simple maintenance. These personal accounts provide a clear picture of the human impact their service has had on our neighborhood. I am currently working to ensure these experiences are presented directly to the people responsible for this decision.
October 23, 2016
Reaching this level of support confirms that our community deeply values the dedication Chris has shown to the park over these past years. It is heartening to see so many people recognize the humanity behind this situation as we prepare to bring these concerns directly to the decision makers.
Reached 100 supporters
October 23, 2016
99 Comments
I walk at the park with my dog.... Chris is always somewhere in the park working. As we make our rounds, Chris always greets you with a smile and a wave. There is something small town about this that I don't want to give up.
Every time I visit Julian with my kids we spend time at Jess Martin Park. It's obvious that Chris Gardner has not only maintained the park in the highest regard, he is a consistent, friendly and welcoming host to me and my family. We like that! Keep Chris!
The park has always been kept tidy and clean, Chris is always there not only picks up trash but looks after lost property and finds owners of such as well. The American Flag has always been used respectfully (no one is dealing with it at the moment by the way). I feel (Mrs. Brooks) The Gardner's are being treated most disrespectfully at this time.
Please keep Chris and his wife, Jane ,as our park caretaker. It is a wonderful place due to his efforts. If they must leave, then please afford them as much time as needed to find another home as cold weather approaches. Thank you.
As a local resident who volunteered at JMP park as a board member, coach and labored to make it a quality addition to our community I've never seen it nicer. I believe this is due in large by the current Host's amazing dedication. We, as a community, need them!!!
Chris is so kind and nice. We dont deserve him. I want him to stay.
Keep them, they deserve this job.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
The park board has reversed their decision and Chris will remain our host in Jess Martin Park. This outcome reflects the genuine care our community holds for those who look after our shared spaces. I am grateful for the collective persistence that reminded our officials of the value Chris and …
November 12, 2016
Keep our community Park Host, Chris Gardner, of Jess Martin Park in Julian.
Final supporters
Chris Gardner has been the Jess Martin Park volunteer park hosts for 6 years.
In exchange for his service, Chris and his wife Jane, a retired RN, live onsite of the park in their RV. Chris goes beyond the expectations in his role as "park host" by providing 24/7 overall care, cleanliness, and security of the park.
Chris's duties include, but are not limited to the following areas of this 9 acre park:
- Playground
- Exercise path
- Skate park
- Picnic Tables
- Ball fields
- Restrooms
- Community outreach and support
- Security
Both Chris and Jane are valued members of the community. Chris has offered community service without a salary as the park host of Jess Martin Park and the Julian community. Chris has not only kept the community/family-oriented park safe and clean, he has also watched out for our children for six years. There are many examples of his care and services : we have felt safe knowing that they were there when our teens skateboarded or when our car wouldn't start when it got dark.
However, despite going far and beyond for our community park, Chris was recently told that the park was going in "another direction" and that someone with "different skills" was needed as a host. Chris and disabled wife, Jane,were given only 30 days to find a new home in a terrifying rental market.
This is not an example of compassion and appreciation for free services; it is likely to leave two seniors and Jane's service dog in training - each beloved community members, entirely homeless right before winter.
Jess Martin Park is Julian's park. We pay taxes for it, we picnic there, we take our little ones to the playground, play sports, celebrate birthdays, snow sledding, Quinceañera's, and much more.
We, the undersigned, respectfully ask that Chris and Jane be allowed to keep their home at the park, even if another host is added for additional services. If it is not possible to add a host or otherwise, at the very least, allow them to keep living there in their home until another opportunity presents itself.
We also wish to see Chris and Jane treated with dignity and reasonable notice of not less than 90 days given.
Updates
October 23, 2016
The stories many of you have shared about Chris and Jane confirm that their presence in Jess Martin Park represents much more than simple maintenance. These personal accounts provide a clear picture of the human impact their service has had on our neighborhood. I am currently working to ensure these experiences are presented directly to the people responsible for this decision.
October 23, 2016
Reaching this level of support confirms that our community deeply values the dedication Chris has shown to the park over these past years. It is heartening to see so many people recognize the humanity behind this situation as we prepare to bring these concerns directly to the decision makers.
Reached 100 supporters
October 23, 2016
99 Comments
The citizens' advisory group appointed to manage the affairs of Jess Martin Park should be the sole source of any dismissal or replacement of the park host at the park. Hopefully, this entity is not in agreement with the decision to replace Mr. Gardner. More background information is desired before Mr. Gardner is replaced, please.
I walk at the park with my dog.... Chris is always somewhere in the park working. As we make our rounds, Chris always greets you with a smile and a wave. There is something small town about this that I don't want to give up.
Every time I visit Julian with my kids we spend time at Jess Martin Park. It's obvious that Chris Gardner has not only maintained the park in the highest regard, he is a consistent, friendly and welcoming host to me and my family. We like that! Keep Chris!
The park has always been kept tidy and clean, Chris is always there not only picks up trash but looks after lost property and finds owners of such as well. The American Flag has always been used respectfully (no one is dealing with it at the moment by the way). I feel (Mrs. Brooks) The Gardner's are being treated most disrespectfully at this time.
Please keep Chris and his wife, Jane ,as our park caretaker. It is a wonderful place due to his efforts. If they must leave, then please afford them as much time as needed to find another home as cold weather approaches. Thank you.
As a local resident who volunteered at JMP park as a board member, coach and labored to make it a quality addition to our community I've never seen it nicer. I believe this is due in large by the current Host's amazing dedication. We, as a community, need them!!!
Chris is so kind and nice. We dont deserve him. I want him to stay.
Keep them, they deserve this job.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
The citizens' advisory group appointed to manage the affairs of Jess Martin Park should be the sole source of any dismissal or replacement of the park host at the park. Hopefully, this entity is not in agreement with the decision to replace Mr. Gardner. More background information is desired before Mr. Gardner is replaced, please.