Independence Day, Land Ownership and Control

We've had another great 4th of July celebration. We don't have official counts, but my eyeballs tell me that we had one of our best turnouts ever for both the parade and the picnic. The Austin police department provided us with a large police escort and music, Erica provided fun for the kids and the weather cooperated with tolerable temperatures and clear skies.

We had great informal discussion amongst our friends and neighbors, and we also spent some time discussing what to do with the eight and one half acres to the south of Kangaroo Lane. The message from our neighbors was loud and clear - the land needs to remain as open space. We have since met with a representative of the current owner and are working out a plan to ensure that this happens.

Spending time in our wonderful park celebrating our country's independence did remind me that from time to time, people with ill intentions use the park not for recreation but for other purposes. It is an oft cited cliche that freedoms which go unused tend to disappear. Well, we enjoy the freedom to use our beautiful park, and I am confident that the more we do this, the more we show that it is ours and that it is meant for recreation, the more likely we are to be able to keep it as we like it. So my call to action is this - go out and use the park! And if you ever encounter anyone engaged in activities that make you uncomfortable, contact the police.

All the Best,
Percy Wegmann