To whom it may concern,

We recognize the incredibly difficult challenges you face every day as our beloved State battles the COVID-19 crisis. We have and remain supportive of you and your Administration as we go through this trying time together. Your decision to close The Lagoons, however, is wrong for public health and our towns residents.

Your complete closure of The Lagoons appears to be based purely on anecdote and without any data or health science to support that decision. As medical experts have repeatedly observed, access to fresh air and exercise for our citizenry, especially during this stressful time, is paramount. For that reason, safely and responsibly using our cities open spaces should continue to be encouraged, not prohibited.

Our citizens are sacrificing their livelihoods, their connections with friends and loved ones, their recreation, and, in short, their lives as they have come to know them, to do their part to fight this disease. They have done so largely willingly, or at least without great protest, understanding that public health exigencies might dictate temporary collective action led by our City Government. In short, we are doing our part.

Public health priorities and individual liberties are not always at odds, however. Respectfully, our Elected and Appointed Officials should trust us more. We are fully capable of making intelligent, common-sense, and responsible choices that permit us to both to meet our obligations to the fight Against COVID-19 and use our city park resources for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

We see no reason why The Lagoons and City Parks cannot remain open, with appropriate social distancing and other common-sense measures kept in place. Break up and prevent use of the parks that violate those guidelines, as you should. Keep restrooms and facilities closed, we understand. But do not close The Lagoons and Parks altogether.

Please let us know how we can proceed with the Opening of The Lagoons and work together as one.