Reopen the Rotary Nature Center

To
Mayor Libby Schaaf, City of Oakland
Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney, City of Oakland, District 3

CC
Director J. Nicholas Williams Director, Oakland Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development Department 

The Rotary Nature Center (RNC), located at 600 Bellevue Avenue next to Lake Merritt, has been closed since March 2017. I'm concerned because the closure of RNC was abrupt and accompanied by little explanation as to what happened or why it had to happen. 

I am very concerned.

An Oakland institution with a rich past, RNC has been a crucial complement to the historic Lake Merritt Wildlife Refuge. It has been a place for Oakland residents, our school children and tourists to learn about the lake habitat, birds and increase eco-literacy. Moreover, RNC and the trove of scientific information it contains has been an important resource for naturalists and scientists.

1. I am worried that RNC will not be reopened and I want you to know that this would be a great loss for Oakland and everyone who spends time at Lake Merritt.

2. I ask that you please support the reopening of RNC with the appropriate staffing so it can effectively serve the public and the wildlife refuge again.

3. I request that your office or Oakland Parks and Recreation engage the public and listen to what the community and advocates of Lake Merritt want and envision for this venerable institution.

4. I ask your help hold Oakland Parks and Recreation accountable on this matter and encouraging Director Williams to share his plan and vision, including a timeline, for the relaunch of RNC.

Please consider giving attention to this matter.