Did you know that Swenson Park is a home for living creatures? At least eight known endangered species right across from our School, Sierra MS.
Built in 1952, There are 214 acres of greenery that is home to the following: Riparian Brush Rabbit, San Joaquin Kit Fox, Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp, San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel, California Red-Legged Fron, Giant Garter Snake.
Last January 2018, a group of "grass-roots organizing" took place on a Sunday morning at Swenson Park Cafe. Over 400 people showed up from our community to support and keep Swenson Park open, or at the very least that it stays a greenspace within the surrounding residential community.
When Michael Tubbs took office as Mayor, he mentioned in his "State of the City" remarks that he cannot see city monies funding the two golf courses, Swenson and Van Buren. At the meeting , he addressed the crowd despite there was hostility towards him, "The question is how do you make the golf courses pencil out, No. 1 -- and No. 2, how do you pay for the millions of dollars in capital improvements?" There are plans to build affordable housing in this space and demolish Swenson Park.
We, as students, that live in this neighborhood, this school district, Lincoln Unified should be concerned. Building housing in this space will cause many problems, "traffic congestion, zoning and lack of planning and more so, the removal of valuable greenspace.
Come join us by signing this petition "Youth for Saving Swenson Park" -- let our voices be heard -- I challenge each and every student of Stockton to HELP raise the awareness of keeping GREENSPACE a priority, and most especially saving precious endangered species that live here. #saveswensonpark #youth4saveswesonpark #saveendangeredspecies #Visitstockon
