Letter to the Editor: Consider Dils Center
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A letter to the editor in last Sunday's edition said almost everything I wanted to say concerning the proposed "Event Center."
I also grew up in this city I was proud of. The City Park was a big part of my childhood and teenage and adult years. I recall my sadness when the beautiful lily pond disappeared along with the historic pool fountain. An unneeded water park installation was added which only added to the disintegration of our lovely park atmosphere. The history and charm of our park is slowly being chipped away. If this event center is built what may follow is the ruination of our beloved park.
We have already lost these, but during the 4th of July fireworks display along with the dirty but fun carnivals, the parking and exiting traffic was terrible. I live within walking distance to the park and our street and others were lined with cars. I had people parking in our driveway. This residential area is not adequate for needed parking and congested traffic. Can you imagine what problems a popular event would cause ? I imagine more cars would be broken into along with other petty or worse crimes. What about the historic Washington Avenue ? It would probably affect the property values and mine. It will have a negative effect on this beautiful street and their properties. Hasn't Parkersburg lost enough of our historic landmarks ? Think of the Chancellor Hotel, the famous Art Deco Burwell Theater and the original "downtown" Parkersburg already destroyed, for what?
With these historic sites gone wouldn't it make more sense to promote The Dils Center to help revitalize our downtown. It has been a difficult task with so much history gone. Our restaurants and shops would thrive and possibly more would move into our old empty structures. It would increase sales for current and new retailers. It seems like a win all around for our once bustling downtown.
The downtown and the park are pleasant memories from my past as it must be for others. I miss having three theaters, two historic drugstores and a beautiful hotel. Thank goodness for The Blennerhassett and the Smoot Theater.
Again, why not choose the Dils Center for this project? Forget about destroying our City Park. Please Parkersburg make yourselves heard concerning the building of this event center in our park. It is so important.
I'm in the last quarter of my life and had the privilege of enjoying what our city had to offer. Please keep what's left for future generations to enjoy the special places in their lifetimes.
Cynthia Malloy
Parkersburg