Grassroots effort to save Emporia's Quaker Park finds success

EMPORIA (KSNT) - Residents in Emporia collected enough signatures on a petition to save Quaker Park.

The City of Emporia posted on social media that the City Commission has reviewed the Quaker Park petition that had more than 800 signatures collected. Now, the Lyon County Election Office is working to verify all of the signatures as Emporia registered voters. In the meantime, the City Commission has decided that "there is sufficient support" for the City Attorney to start preparing a resolution to remove Quaker Park from the surplus property list.

"This action acknowledges the strong voter sentiment against the removal or transfer of Quaker Park from the City's park lands."

Excerpt from City of Emporia social media post

The resolution will be placed on the May 1, 2024 City Commission meeting agenda. According to the social media post, if this resolution is approved by the City Commission, that decision will "effectively halt" any consideration in the future of developing Quaker Park or using the land of proposes other than a park.

The city stated on the social media post that a public vote is not necessary to maintain the park's status, ensuring its preservation.

Last week, Emporia residents were working to save a neighborhood park. Advocates for Quaker Park were working to get 462 valid signatures by 5 p.m. Monday, April 15. Emporia's Assistant City Manager Mark Detter told 27 News last week that the goal was to develop the park into three residential properties.

Detter was glad that civic discussions were had among the community members.

"I just think the city is very glad that our public is engaged in this issue and has become very interested in what the future holds for Quaker Park," Detter told 27 News Thursday, April 11. "And on top of that, taking part in democracy and gathering the signatures and understanding what it takes to create a public referendum on an issue."

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