SAVE THIS IS THE PLACE HERITAGE PARK

Dear Governor, Directors and Board Members, We the undersigned are outraged by the proposed plan to commercially develop twelve acres of land at This Is The Place Heritage Park. This scheme, along with other recent commercial developments at the Park, including the planned opening of a franchise coffee shop, the introduction of a carnivalesque train ride attraction, the asphalting of roads within historically interpreted areas and the removal of donated historic artifacts, clearly illustrate that the private foundation entrusted with the stewardship of this valuable and publicly-owned cultural institution lacks the knowledge, vision and sensitivity necessary to operate the Park according to the original intent and vision of its founders. Additionally, during the stewardship of This Is The Place Foundation there has been a steady and deliberate erosion of the principles and directives of the 1997 Articles of Incorporation, through which the foundation contracted with the people of Utah to “preserve, curate, protect and interpret” the assets of the Park. These include; · The explicit abrogation of the mandate to preserve, protect and curate the land, monuments, buildings and artifacts at the Park. · The abrogation of public service and public access. · The disregarding of donor agreements and alienation of major donors. · The disbanding of docent organizations and alienation of large numbers of trained and enthusiastic volunteers. · The abrogation and disregarding of the Park master plan, leading to the expedient, haphazard and often ill-conceived placement and construction of buildings and monuments. · The systematic culling of all professional historians, curators, preservationists and developers of public history programs from the administrative staff. · The erosion of community and neighborhood support. · The 2006 financial collapse of the Park, due, in part, to questionable business decisions and practices. · The putting forward of a desperate plan to save This Is The Place Foundation from the embarrassment of failure by sacrificing the original intent, vision and integrity of the Park through non-compatible commercial development. Therefore, we feel it is time to for all to recognize that This Is The Place Foundation has failed in its stewardship. Moreover, we feel justified in urging upon you, not only the necessity of rejecting the proposed plan to lease and commercially develop 12 acres of the Park, but also to relieve This Is The Place Foundation of its stewardship and to immediately commence an open and deliberate discussion to address the long-term welfare of This Is The Place Park. Sincerely,Friends of "This Is The Place" Heritage Park