"It is not bigness that should be our goal. We must attempt, rather, to bring people back to...the warmth of community, to the worth of individual effort and responsibilty...and of individuals working together as a community, to better their lives and their children's future.

Community demands a place where people can see and know each other, where children can play and adults work together and join in the pleasures and responsibilities of the place where they live" RFK

Last year the Community Foundation for Silicon Valley sponsered a conference entitled "Arts Build Community"; at this event nine cities made presentations as to how they had used the arts to build community. Similar to these nine cities, the Atherton Arts Committee has created several programs designed to bring Atherton neighbors together and build community. several committee members and residents have arranged for prominent artists to speak and perform for our community. These events have been quite successful.

We are expanding on this foundation and are partnering with existing organizations to make Town events more successful. We worked with the Dames and ACIL on this year's Town Bar-B-Que, and with the library and building permit department to have local artists displayed.

We recently sponsored a Town Photo contest, and the Town Web site now has information on the Arts Committee Events page. We have begun talking to local music artists about a concert series in Holbrook-Palmer Park for next year.

A long term goal is to have an Arts and Community Center in the Park. Renovations on the Carriage House are among some of the ideas which I have in accomplishing these goals. I would appreciate your opinions and input on these subjects.

If you are a local artist or musician, please contact us as we have openings for up-coming events.

In recent years Atherton residents have applied over 23,000 times to take classes at Menlo Park and Recreation. I believe we need to develop an Atherton Recreation program. It does not have to be big, but we should review our needs and determine if a few programs would provide solutions and a chance for us to "Build Comunity"

Last year the Atherton City Council and Interim City Manager began extensive reviews of Town procedures, infrastructure, and human resource issues. Included in the review was Holbrook-Palmer Park and how to use it to best meet the needs of the community.

In May, in response to significant community input and recognizing that the demographics of Atherton had changed, the Council approved a far different ballfield proposal than had been previously submitted to Park and Recreation.

On September 13th a Town forum was held with the City Council to discuss the possible renovation of Jennings Pavilion and community needs regarding the Park.

As result of this meeting the Council passed Resolution 00-28 directing Park & Recreation to study and make a report on issues relating to the Park. Including:

1. An inventory of facilities and their condition.
2. An analysis of current utilization.
3. The feasibility of establishing an organized recreation program.
4. Financial analysis.

The study began with reviewing the Strategic Five Year Plan put in place on July 17,1997. The Plan's Objectives include:

1. To increase the attractiveness of the Park facilities and their use by the Atherton community.
2. To develop improvements and programs that enhance the beauty and use of the Park.
3. To meet the recreational need of the Atherton community.
4. Expansion of existing Park facilities and buildings are to be limited to those that are required to meet identified needs of the community.
5. Develop a landscaping plan for enhancements to the children’s playground area, including a safe, protected area for small children.

In the Fall, Michelle Dollinger and Dorothea Collins appeared before the Commission three times, representing 150 families and their desire to raise funds to improve and expand the play structure as it was no longer up to code. Also, Susan Knox of the Preschool requested permission to expand the Preschool to accommodate 50 Atherton families that are wait listed. The modular trailer becomes property of the Town at lease termination. Several citizens attending the meeting expressed support for these plans.

Financial support was also established. The Play Structure group has already raised one-third of the $330,000 needed, and the Preschool will spend $160,000 on it's expansion.

Believing that these projects met the test for the Strategic Plan, the commission which consists of members of both the Dames and Foundation , voted to forward with recommendations the Play Structure and the Preschool to the Council with restrictions

The Play Structure is restricted by size and final review. The Preschool needed approval of the Planning Commission, which was obtained.

The ball field, play structure, and preschool represent over $800,000 in funds raised to improve our park in 2001. When added to the funds raised by the Foundation, Dames, and Merrill family donation the total approaches $950,000.

The Foundation and Dames efforts for over forty years and the added benifits of these new groups make Holbrook-Palmer Park a place where we can meet our neighbors and build community.

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