To the editor:

There is a great need to provide more open space for our rapidly growing population downtown. At present, we have only one park in the downtown area serving thousands of residents.

Fortunately, we now have an option to purchase 23 acres for public use in the downtown area. Let us not squander this unique opportunity to provide a lasting legacy of a better environment for present and future generations living on this island.

There are many sociological and psychological benefits of open space to a community. Several recent studies offer strong scientific evidence of positive health effects of green cities for babies, kids, and adults. Researchers from Oregon State University, Ultrecht University in the Netherlands, and the University of British Columbia have demonstrated that increased residential greenness is associated with positive birth outcomes. Their result showed that very premature births were 20 percent lower for mothers living in greener areas, and moderately premature births were 13 percent lower.

These are just some of many benefits that green spaces provide to a community. The small amount of taxes required to purchase this property is well worth the intrinsic benefits that will accrue over time.

Please vote “Yes” for the parks bond.

OLAF RIBEIRO

Manitou Beach