Mr Mayor:
First & foremost let me say that this is not a “you know what” contest! I simply want to express my views on the ongoing Don Maynard Park saga.
When I first moved to my present address at 44 Gale St. everyone told me how nice it was to be moving closer to family just a few doors down. While that is certainly true, I must confess that a bigger reason was this strikingly beautiful oasis directly across the street from our house – Don Maynard Park.
I do not have the temperament to be a public speaker so I have left that to others. I simply want to reflect on the man himself. If I was to list all the qualities he instilled in me & generations of other kids I would require a considerable amount of time & space!
If I could, just a small example – this occurred during my first year at ADHS. As always after classes, those of us intent on becoming a football star headed to the field for practice which would involve blocking & tackling in the dreaded pits. These pits were filled with sawdust in order to soften the blow. This particular day I got to line up against the most feared guy in ADHS – hell likely the most feared guy in the league! As we headed for each other like a pair of runaway freight trains there was a sound that resounded across the field. We both went down & I remember thinking this has to be as close to death as I will ever come!
After the practice concluded I recall heading to the locker room. Right out of the blue without missing a step, Mr Maynard walked along side me & very briefly but matter of factly said “Houston I have never seen him get hit that hard” & he just kept walking. He knew I was hurtin’ but took the time to say a few words. My chest swelled up so much I thought my shoulder pads would explode!
This was the kind of man he was. He still lives in all of us.
To entertain any thoughts of expropriating this wonderful asset called Don Maynard Park is just not right.
There simply has to be another way.
Yours truly,
Gary Houston
