Grants - Popular Misconceptions

Some time ago we received a grant to make some improvements at a local park. However, some of the neighbors think the park is great as is and no improvements should be made. I can't blame them for mobilizing their friends, but it is very apparent that most of the concern is centered around not wanting more people at "their" park. So...to dispel some common misconceptions:

• If you moved next to a park, you should expect people to use it. If it can't be used as a park for everyone in the community to use, it might as well be sold for some other purpose such as a detention basin or affordable housing.
• Yes our state is broke, but turning down a grant won't help. The money is dedicated to improving parks and if one community doesn't use it, another will.
• Similarly, the economy is bad, but that doesn't mean everyone should sit on their hands until it gets better. How does park development help? A large part of the reason grants have been given out recently is that construction helps put people to work. It helps the manufacturers of equipment and the laborers who are contracted for installation. In addition, if you are unemployed or underemployed, doesn't it help to have local parks to go and enjoy that are free of cost.
• Public input is truly appreciated and the goal is to try and make as many people as possible happy. Unfortunately, this does not mean everyone.
• Finally, even though a park district is a government, they are subject to more local and county permitting requirements than the typical homeowner. This means that any development must demonstrate that it will not increase flooding, light/noise pollution, and various other requirements. Ultimately, tear downs of single family homes that are replaced by bigger homes are collectively increasing flooding and environmental pollution than larger developments that have to compensate for this.