Candlestick Park Threatened Closure
At the request of Governor Schwarzenegger, California State Parks has
created a list of parks that they would close in order to absorb a
10% reduction in their budget and Candlestick Park is on that list.
The following link is to an article on the plan from the San
Francisco Chronicle:
Link to Article
The parks that are targeted for closure appear to have been selected
without consultation at the regional level and real consideration as
to how the parks are utilized. Another article in the Chronicle
reveals that parks were selected based on revenue, ease of closure
and, and location (in order to spread the closures around the state)
Link to Article
There are two things that you can do if you are concerned about the
proposed closure:
-
Contact your elected state representatives (State Senator and
Assembly Member) and oppose the plan to close parks in general and
let them know why closing a park like Candlestick is a bad idea. Go
to the link below to find the contact information for your
representatives:
Legislative info
Remember that calls and letters may carry more weight than e-mails.
If you call, ask who the appropriate staff member is to address to
parks issue.
-
Contact State Parks Director Ruth Coleman to let her know why
Candlestick Park is a critical resource for our community.
Ruth Coleman, Director
California State Parks
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296
For windsurfing, Candlestick Park is a regional asset. There are a
limited number of spots where intermediate windsurfers can safely
develop their skills and progress without having to content with
large swells and chop. Candlestick also blows with steady wind when
many other sites are not windy. Because Candlestick Point extends out
into the Bay, it provides an opportunity for windsurfers to make it
back to shore even if they are blown downwind. Other nearby sites
like Oyster Point and Flying Tigers require windsurfer to sail in
offshore winds which are not safe for many sailors. In addition,
Candlestick Park serves an urban community that is most in need of
the benefits that a park offers and has few options in terms of Parks
and open space.
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