September 27, 2005 > Letter to the Editor: New Pavilion at Central Park is 'doable'

As Creative Engagement - Arts chair for the Celebrate Fremont @ the Park committee, I share the editor's concern that the contribution of the Candle Lighters to Fremont be honored...they are another one of Fremont's 'hidden gems'. The Park and Rec (sic) Department knows better than anyone how much the Candle Lighters have contributed to making Central Park the special place it is. The new structure will include a plaque giving them credit. If anyone out there knows what was on the original plaque or where it is today, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Is fixing the current structure a better solution? I've been told that the original structure was designed by the architect to blend in visually with the bathroom and snack bars roofs, rather than being designed for performances. Every artist I've talked to agrees - the acoustics are bad. A coat of paint isn't going to make this structure a viable performance venue.

As far as not having a final design for the new structure presented before Council approval, I'm going to have to differ with you. Plans presented to council included clear alternatives as to cost and scope. This is a doable small project with clear pay-off to the citizens of Fremont. And...how many times have we seen 'analysis paralysis' kill a worthwhile project by frittering away funding in endless planning cycles?

People ARE buying cars by ordering them on-line these days, Bill, so how about using a different analogy...factory built homes? Let me reassure you that this WILL be a quality project that will serve the citizens of Fremont for many, many years. I look forward to TCV coverage of the dedication and performances during the Celebrate Fremont @ the Park event next September, and for years to come.

Margaret Thornberry, Fremont
Celebrate Fremont 2006

I appreciate the comments, but people who shop for cars online know the options they are buying in advance! Our historian, Phil Holmes, has the text of the plaque and may have a picture of it. Ed