This morning Libertarians gathered in Monroe Park to rally for their Presidential candidate, Gary Johnson. Part of the reason for it was to also protest his exclusion from the upcoming Presidential debates. As the rally gained steam, some of them marched around the perimeter of the park holding signs and passing out campaign literature.

At one point a group met up with a wedding party near the churches.

There was also what I think was a “Spirit Walk” by VCU students, complete with VCU police escort.

After recent events in Monroe Park, I asked candidates running for City Council in the 2nd District for written statements on the future of Monroe Park.

I received the following from Kimberly Gray:

I support the Monroe Park Master Plan that was developed in 2009. As the 2nd District City Council Representative I will advocate for renovations to get started sooner rather than later. I will work to help secure the remaining funds required to complete the plan. I am a strong proponent for keeping the historic integrity of the park and to promote the ideal that our parks are our greatest public treasure and should be open, safe and comfortable for all of us to visit and enjoy.

I have also received this statement from candidate Charlie Diradour:

Thanks to Scott and OregonHill.net for inviting us into the conversation regarding the future of one of Richmond’s most iconic parks. Monroe Park’s history is one of the many reasons that it should be restored to its former glory. The concept of public squares in Richmond dates back to the Eighteen Hundreds, and as we witness a resurgence in the “live, work, play ” manner of living, we need leadership that understands that parks are not amenities, but necessities.

The City of Richmond has not maintained, or improved this gem for decades. In fact, the damage done by installing the wrong sidewalks, including doing extensive damage to the irrigation system, has made the restoration more expensive in the long run.

The lease that was signed, and continues in force by and between Richmond and The Monroe Park Conservancy has been my evening reading for weeks now, and from what I gather that lease gives The Conservancy the right to The Park for Thirty years. That same lease gives The Conservancy the time they need to raise the sufficient monies to improve The Park.

Given the history, the present situation, and the future possibilities, I believe that the current agreement represents the only viable option to address the decades of neglect of this jewel by The City. Monroe Park must be restored so that it may be enjoyed by all, including VCU students and staff and Richmond residents.

Teddy Roosevelt said, “The nation behaves well if it treats its natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.” Through our collective efforts we must find a place of agreement that will facilitate Monroe Park becoming, once again, a place for all to congregate, recreate, and at times find solace. We can only do that with steady leadership from a community committed to repairing structures and relationships.

Thanks to all;

Charlie

And finally, 2nd District Council candidate Rebecca Keel submitted her statement last night (August 21st, this post with Gray’s statement was originally made on July 27th):

Hello, thank ya’ll, and please forgive my delay in replying to your request for a statement. After spending a several weeks researching the history of the park, the current lease held by the Monroe Park Conservancy and VCU, and after hearing from some community members, both off and online, it seems clear that many people do not support the privatization of Monroe Park. Further, it happens to be my personal opinion that the act of privatizing, under the guise of revitalization, is short sighted.

Therefore I do not support the privatization of Monroe Park and would work to terminate the current lease. I hold this position because it is what the people want, and what would help populations who already and regularly inhabit the park.

It is true that Monroe Park is in poor condition, and I agree that this is an issue of Public Health and Well-being. The city must take better care of its historic gems.

It is also true that many unstably housed and homeless people regularly spend time in Monroe Park. Part of caring for a community is caring for the community members. Proposals to revitalize Monroe Park, that do not include services and resources for our homeless community members, are not solutions that work toward community growth and social justice.

Finally, it is necessary that any restoration of the park should respect the city’s history and come from community generated proposals and widespread buy-in.

As a council member, I will ensure that community engagement is thoughtful and inclusive, and together we can form a solution that both beautifies Monroe Park and provides assistance for the folks who already value it.

Thank you for your consideration,

Rebecca K. W. Keel