"You can't see it now among the overgrown cart paths and weed-choked lagoons but a championship golf course will soon rise in City Park." These are the sad words affronted by the Times Picayune announcing plans to convert the naturally reclaimed urban oasis between Harrison Ave. and Filmore Ave. into a private, high-end golf course. This land may have been a golf course previously, but since Hurricane Katrina these 250 acres of land have been creatively used by everyday New Orleanians, young and old.

This development would be the third PGA level golf course within a fifteen mile radius (English Turn and TPC) and the seventh golf course in the metropolitan area. Local anglers, bicyclists, kayakers/canoers, runners, dog owners, families, birdwatchers, and everyday citizens utilize this area of the park every single day. This area is especially important because it exemplifies the wild beauty inherent to the Louisiana ecosystem. It is also home to many fish, birds and other wildlife that will be forced to feel the pressure of the development. This area of the park is a refuge to so many people and animals, it is a multi-purpose recreational area available to all New Orleanians regardless of their financial situation, and it would be an absolute shame to lose this, especially to privatization and profit.

If you utilize this area of the park, or simply want to preserve urban park space please support this petition and spread the word. The area has recently been fenced off and many trees including old live oaks are already marked for cutting. There are also no signs alerting the public as to what is happening. Keep City Park public and beautiful! What is more important, the PGA or a beautiful, highly utilized space for everyday New Orleanians? Please don't let the sun set on this beautiful space.