Regarding Hunt Valley resident Susan Brown's letter advocating building a school on property that has been referred to as Mays Chapel Park these past 20-plus years ("Mays Chapel school wouldn't detract from the area's natural beauty," March 11), her opinion is short sighted and doesn't recognize the value of the only piece of open land available for use by countless hundreds of property owners exercising and walking their dogs — and just enjoying the quiet of Mays Chapel Park.
Many hundreds of children and their coaches and trainers use the park for football, soccer and lacrosse — as at least a hundred or more were doing when I was there on Saturday. The park has long been an integral part of the value of all properties in the Mays Chapel area. Loss of that open area to a school defeats the park's "green" purpose that has brought enjoyment to adults and children alike for many years. It offers public recreation to many hundreds of parents and children who journey from areas outside of Mays Chapel to enjoy the facility. If it is lost, where will they go?
Having lived in Mays Chapel for 10 years, I find Ms. Brown's suggestion that there are many children living in the vicinity inaccurate. As one who travels the area each and every day, I see but one school bus in the area. The nearby apartments and condominiums are home to few, if any, children. Let no one be misled into believing this would serve Mays Chapel.