The Skyhawks Park, previously located on North Thurston Public Schools-owned property, was closed approximately a year ago due to unresolved issues between the park operators and the school district. The private park had a large impact to the community over the 35 years that it was operated at no cost to the tax payers and no cost to the school district. I wonder if the community knows how much it contributed to the economy of the area.

If the school district had put as much effort into working with the various operators of the park instead of terminating the lease and supporting the Lacey Parks Department and its construction of the Regional Athletic Complex, the park would still be an intricate sports facility in the area. Lacey Parks built the sports complex because of the success of the Skyhawks Park.

The Regional Athletic Complex loses money every year. By terminating the lease the district cost several employees and operators of the park to lose several hundred thousand dollars. The decision to terminate the lease was made by the previous superintendent who had no ties to the community.

I was a student at North Thurston High School when it opened so l know the history of the district and feel its operations and dealings with the community have gone down hill since Dr. Gott retired, especially the last 10 years. I'm embarrassed to admit I am an alumni.