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Letters
Founding fathers wanted to preserve orchard
I strongly object to the destruction of the Heritage Orchard for use as a playfield. Not only is it precious as a living treasure of Saratoga's agricultural history, but it is the last remaining large open space in our dense community of houses, public buildings and commercial development. Our "founding fathers" in 1956 realized that Saratoga was headed for development and wisely set aside an agricultural preserve.
A community needs areas of natural beauty to feed the soul as well as recreational facilities. In its rush toward development, Saratoga has sold its soul to the devil: the sale of the park site on the corner of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Cox Avenue (acquired by the city in a vote that was passed by citizens); the refusal of the city to accept a donation of a farm for use as a demonstration orchard (the Nelson Garden on Saratoga Hills Road); the sale of Redwood School property to the post office, which could have been used for expanding the school's recreational area.
I might add to my list of grievances the development of the city corporation yard behind City Hall that could have been used as a beautiful city park with a creek and a huge old oak tree that was cut down.
Now all that land is gone and now the city realizes it needs more land for community needs. I am sorry, but it is too late. If the city builds on its last remaining parcel of open space, that, too, will be regretted in the future.
Furthermore, the Heritage Orchard is located in a heavy traffic area on Saratoga Avenue, near two church schools, one public school, West Valley College, the library, City Hall, the Community Center, the Senior Center, the teen center and the post office. We do not need another public facility there, generating more traffic.
Saratoga has a soccer field and a baseball field at El Quito Park and, I believe, gym facilities in all the schools. There is also a gym and a swimming pool at the YMCA on Quito Road.
The city should honor its obligation to preserve its historical landmarks, in this case, an orchard.
Jackie Welch
Jack's Road
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
