Whereas:

* Southern Durham is the fastest growing area in Durham.

* There are currently no community recreation centers with a service area encompassing Southern Durham.

* Southern Durham is identified as a priority area for a new recreation center in the Durham Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2003-2013 (shown located in the approximate vicinity of the existing Parkwood Shopping Center).

* The Parkwood Shopping Center is the ideal candidate for a new Southern Durham Recreation Center, with existing parking and all utilities, adjoining community-owned ball field and protected greenways. It is easily accessible from many established and newly-developing Southern Durham neighborhoods.

* The Parkwood Shopping Center currently serves as a community hub for Southern Durham. Multiple community groups use the Library and Parkwood Association Office, and hundreds each week depend on the parking lot to attend church, sports events and numerous community functions. All existing and potential future community uses are in serous jeopardy, as the library is scheduled to move out next year, and the shopping center is for sale.

We, the citizens of southern Durham implore you to proceed with the creation of the Southern Durham Recreation Center at the Parkwood Shopping Center.

For more information, see: http://sites.google.com/site/southerndurhamrecreation