SAVE ASHBRIDGE PARK
We the undersigned call on all Lower Merion Township Commissioners and Lower Merion School Board members to make a public commitment to respect the generous will of Mrs. Ashbridge and protect Ashbridge Park from any development.
We are dismayed at recent suggestions that Ashbridge Park could be utilized as a site for the Lower Merion School District. As examples:
- In their presentation entitled “Tomorrow’s Students, Today’s Challenges: Assessing and Addressing LMSD’s Growing Enrollment”, on Slides 10 and 11 of 25, the LMSD points to explorations of Ashbridge Park as a potential site to meet the school district’s growing enrollment needs.
- In an interview, Superintendent Robert Copeland remarked that Ashbridge Park is “…a beautiful park,”, adding that it was superior to the alternative site being considered (the Islamic Center): “It would be a better location. … It’s much flatter terrain, generally speaking, and its 26-acres as opposed to 20-acres.”[1]
- Further, when it was drawn to Superintendent Copeland’s attention that the Park was bequeathed to the Township as a public park, the Superintendent entertains the idea that the deed can be broken, giving the Barnes Foundation as an example.[2]
We believe these remarks show a complete disregard for Mrs. Ashbridge’s stipulations as well as the value of Ashbridge Park as a much revered common space for the residents of Lower Merion and beyond.
We call on all Lower Merion Township Commissioners and those running for commissioner, and members of the Lower Merion School Board to oppose altering the deed for Ashbridge Park.
Ashbridge Park should be preserved as is.
For more information, please visit: https://www.saveashbridgepark.com/
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
October 21, 2017
Reached 100 supporters
October 12, 2017
236 Comments
Ashbridge Park is rare in providing recreation for and green space for all ages and interests, from a romping area for kids to a quiet place for strolling or reading. We babysitting grandparents couldn’t live without it.
That park drew me to this neighborhood 15 years ago when I moved here 15 years ago. My four children have used that park for all of those years. Ashbridge Park is an important part of our community.
I am disheartened to hear of the plans to try and turn this park into a school. Not only would it take away a green space used by the members of this community, you would be breaking the deed and wishes of the family who bestowed the space to the township. Incredibly disrespectful.
As the Administrator of the Health Care and Retirement Community for the Sisters of the Holy Child, which also borders the Park, signing this petition is a reflection of the same feelings of the Sisters who enjoy beyond measure this most beautiful environment.
There are at least three Catholic school buildings currently empty in LM township. Why don’t they look at those buildings as potential sites? Why not renovate empty buildings and give them life again? Don’t take a beautiful and loved park away. This is just shameful.
I HATE Ashbridge Park
Please save this park for us and for future generations--it is a beautiful place to walk, play and enjoy nature.
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SAVE ASHBRIDGE PARK
We the undersigned call on all Lower Merion Township Commissioners and Lower Merion School Board members to make a public commitment to respect the generous will of Mrs. Ashbridge and protect Ashbridge Park from any development.
We are dismayed at recent suggestions that Ashbridge Park could be utilized as a site for the Lower Merion School District. As examples:
- In their presentation entitled “Tomorrow’s Students, Today’s Challenges: Assessing and Addressing LMSD’s Growing Enrollment”, on Slides 10 and 11 of 25, the LMSD points to explorations of Ashbridge Park as a potential site to meet the school district’s growing enrollment needs.
- In an interview, Superintendent Robert Copeland remarked that Ashbridge Park is “…a beautiful park,”, adding that it was superior to the alternative site being considered (the Islamic Center): “It would be a better location. … It’s much flatter terrain, generally speaking, and its 26-acres as opposed to 20-acres.”[1]
- Further, when it was drawn to Superintendent Copeland’s attention that the Park was bequeathed to the Township as a public park, the Superintendent entertains the idea that the deed can be broken, giving the Barnes Foundation as an example.[2]
We believe these remarks show a complete disregard for Mrs. Ashbridge’s stipulations as well as the value of Ashbridge Park as a much revered common space for the residents of Lower Merion and beyond.
We call on all Lower Merion Township Commissioners and those running for commissioner, and members of the Lower Merion School Board to oppose altering the deed for Ashbridge Park.
Ashbridge Park should be preserved as is.
For more information, please visit: https://www.saveashbridgepark.com/
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
October 21, 2017
Reached 100 supporters
October 12, 2017
236 Comments
“Deeds are meant to be broken” may be one of the dumbest and short sighted comments uttered in this discussion. Why, pray tell would future donors wish to donate land as such if you state you have no intention of respecting the covenants of the gift?
Ashbridge Park is rare in providing recreation for and green space for all ages and interests, from a romping area for kids to a quiet place for strolling or reading. We babysitting grandparents couldn’t live without it.
That park drew me to this neighborhood 15 years ago when I moved here 15 years ago. My four children have used that park for all of those years. Ashbridge Park is an important part of our community.
I am disheartened to hear of the plans to try and turn this park into a school. Not only would it take away a green space used by the members of this community, you would be breaking the deed and wishes of the family who bestowed the space to the township. Incredibly disrespectful.
As the Administrator of the Health Care and Retirement Community for the Sisters of the Holy Child, which also borders the Park, signing this petition is a reflection of the same feelings of the Sisters who enjoy beyond measure this most beautiful environment.
There are at least three Catholic school buildings currently empty in LM township. Why don’t they look at those buildings as potential sites? Why not renovate empty buildings and give them life again? Don’t take a beautiful and loved park away. This is just shameful.
I HATE Ashbridge Park
Please save this park for us and for future generations--it is a beautiful place to walk, play and enjoy nature.
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“Deeds are meant to be broken” may be one of the dumbest and short sighted comments uttered in this discussion. Why, pray tell would future donors wish to donate land as such if you state you have no intention of respecting the covenants of the gift?