The issue of use and “improvements” to Big Finn Hill Park (west) is one that touches me deeply.

I am dismayed that a committee of 18 individuals can make closed-circuit decisions for a community park that has been enjoyed (and maintained) by hundreds, for decades. Many in this community have worked over the years to bring the park up to the state that it is currently in, and now are seeing the park taken over by an outside bike club.

There has been no effort to work with those of us in the community. We have waited all summer and fall to hear back from Mr. David Kimmett (King County Parks) regarding the comment forms we filled out after the June 20 meeting; we have been waiting for an environmental impact study to be done, for an arborist to consult about the rare stand of Madrona trees that the park is blessed with.

We in the community have also been waiting for any form of communication from this committee. There have been no further public meetings, public notices of construction or responses to our many and varied concerns.

We have written comments, emailed the parks department, written letters to the Kirkland Reporter and still no word. However, there seems to be word getting to the excited members of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, because they show up at pre-arranged times to dig, chop, haul and transform certain trails however they see fit.

The democratic process has been thwarted. There have been voices of dissent, letters and emails written, and there has been nothing done to address these valid concerns. There has been no voting or hearings or notice, but there has been an awful lot of digging, cutting and re-arranging happening. Frankly, I find it a little embarrassing for the bike club. What an awful job of public relations. I am beginning to feel that this park was much more enjoyable without all these bikers around.

Elizabeth Yori, Kirkland