La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

We would first like to clear up the intent of our proposed citizen’s advisory group. Barring any changes to our luck with the Powerball, we do not have any plans to purchase the Hedlin property. Our main goal is to ask the town for time and transparency as we work toward preserving more than just 20,000 square feet (approximately 25%) of the property for open space.

Over the past several weeks our group has spent countless hours researching, asking questions and trying to fully understand the details and timeline behind the town’s purchase agreement, search for funding and subsequent development plans for the Hedlin Ballfield. Throughout this process Mayor Ramon Hayes, Town Administrator Scott Thomas and Town Planner Marianne Manville-Ailles have all been very generous with their time.

Despite all our time and effort, we still find ourselves with many questions, which need time to fully explore. Our plan going forward is to stay fully engaged by attending all Town Council and Commission meetings. We will look for alternatives that would allow for a greater portion of the land to be retained as park space and we will encourage our leaders to explore these options.

We ask that others join us in this effort to stay informed. Your participation is vital to ensure this space is utilized in ways that provide the most benefit to our community.

If anyone would like more information when it comes to this community effort please feel free to reach out: [email protected].

Sincerely,

Catey Ritchie

Mike Ritchie

Amanda McDade

Fran McDade

Jules Riske