The sample text below will provide ideas for communicating about RedGate with the Mayor and Council Members. Be positive, provide a personal connection to RedGate, and include photos of yourself at RedGate if possible!
Templates
RedGate as Nature Sanctuary
RedGate for Walkers, Runners, and Bicyclists
Requesting a Public and Transparent Decision Making Process
Concerns about Traffic and Overcrowding
About the Proposed Veteran’s Home
RedGate Park as a Nature Sanctuary
Dear ________________ (Mayor or Council Member),
Opening statement: Give your name and state that you are concerned about the future of RedGate Park and your hope that it will stay a park and nature sanctuary.
Your Personal Experience:
What is your connection to RedGate Park?
What would its loss mean to you? What animals have you seen there? If you have children, what are their
experiences with RedGate? A photo of you
or an animal at RedGate is a convincing argument for a park!
Talking Points (select a few, modify, and add your own):
- RedGate represents over 10% of the park land owned by Rockville City.
- With climate change and the loss of species it is imperative we keep RedGate as a park.
- The animals at RedGate are an important part of a healthy Rockville.
- There over 125 species of birds as well as foxes, squirrels, and many other animals.
- Once we lose our park it will be gone forever.
- Will the legacy of this mayor and council be townhomes and McMansions or a vibrant park and nature sanctuary?
Closing: Thank you for your time and service to our City. Please make RedGate a permanent park!
RedGate Park for Walkers, Runners, and Bicyclists
Dear ________________ (Mayor or Council Member),
Opening statement: Give your name and state that you are concerned about the future of RedGate Park for walking/jogging/biking.
Your Personal Experience: What are your experiences with RedGate Park? What is your favorite place at RedGate? If you have children, what are their experiences with RedGate? A photo of you and your family or friends (and dog, don’t forget the dog) is a powerful way to show you care about RedGate Park.
Talking Points (please modify):
- A healthy Rockville needs a place like RedGate Park!
- Provides a safe, open environment for walking/jogging/biking.
- Easy to get to, lots of parking.
- Accessible on foot off of the Millennium Trail.
- Because it’s a golf course it was designed to be walked and has scenic and varied topography.
Closing: Thank you for your time and service to our City. Please make RedGate a permanent Park for a healthy Rockville!
Requesting a Public and Transparent Decision Making Process
Dear ________________ (Mayor or Council Member),
Opening statement: Give your name and state that you are asking that the fate of RedGate Park is something that is carefully considered in an open and public manner.
Your Personal Experience: Do you feel you have been informed about decisions about RedGate Park in a timely manner? Has Rockville City done a good job seeking your input? Do you feel cut out of the process? Are you concerned developers will be given an inside track on what happens to RedGate Park?
Talking Points (please modify):
- All Rockville residents have the right to be informed of what is planned well in advance.
- Residents should be able to comment and consider the options publicly.
- RedGate has been there for many years. There is no need to hurry. We have time to make sure everyone is heard.
Closing: Thank you for your time and service to our City. Please make all decisions about RedGate Park open and transparent!
Concerns about Traffic and Overcrowding
Dear ________________ (Mayor or Council Member),
Opening statement: Give your name and state that you are concerned about how development of RedGate Park would impact traffic and overcrowding. Maintain a positive tone about keeping Redgate a permanent park.
Your Personal Experience: How does traffic around Gude Drive and Norbeck Road affect you personally? If you have school age children do you have concerns about overcrowding in schools? What is your connection to RedGate Park?
Talking Points (please modify):
- Traffic near RedGate (at the Norbeck/Gude/Avery junction) is already a problem.
- Development of houses would stress already overcrowded schools and services.
- RedGate provides a place for healthy recreation activities and a sanctuary for residents and wildlife.
Closing: Thank you for your time and service to our City. Please consider the impact of development on traffic and area schools!
About the Proposed Veterans’ Home
A veterans’ home has been proposed for a portion of RedGate Park. The details are in this Bethesda Magazine article. Many people are for as well as against this proposed use of RedGate parkland.
If you would like to contact the Mayor and Council on this issue, we suggest you include the following talking points:
- If built, the rest of the park land should be permanently designated as a Park and Nature Sanctuary.
- The planning and implementation of the project should be open and transparent.
- Any construction should use only the necessary land and do minimal damage to RedGate Park.
There are a variety of viewpoints on this issue. The important thing is to have an open process where everybody is heard.