Park Politics

It disappoints me greatly to criticize the behavior of The Friends of Prospect Park. As one of the first mission-based “neighborhood associations” born in our city, the very active and dedicated members of the group have shown us that when you show you care, others will begin to care. They are real citizens of Troy.  They showed us, with their actions, how to be good stewards of our public spaces. They were at the forefront of people banding together for the common good.   Therefore, it is unfortunate that the current uproar over the Uncle Sam Memorial Pavilion is occurring.

During last evening’s council meeting, it was stated that the Friends of Prospect Park did not want to make this political. It was further stated that the group was a-political. Ok, so I am not buying that. It was political from the outset; couldn’t help but be. One of the definitions of politics is the total complex of relations between people living in society. I don’t know all the facts and won’t pretend to. As an outsider to this particular political game, I can only speak to what I sense. I sense that someone’s ego got a little bruised here.

Ladies and gentleman, as I see it, this was Mr. Jacques dream. Mr. Jacques has been working towards this for almost a decade. Would there be an Uncle Sam Memorial Foundation if it weren’t for Mr. Jacques’ pursuing HIS dream? His intention has always been to memorialize Sam Wilson. His pavilion – built where it stands – will do just that. According to Mr. Jacques last evening, the pavilion was specifically designed for the overlook area. I believe he selected the ideal location and that the city administration was correct in allowing construction to begin.

Where were The Friends a decade ago? The Friends were in their infancy. If I recall correctly (and I’m sure if not, someone will let me know), The Friends of Prospect Park were initially formed in an attempt to keep the park’s pool from closing and then became dedicated to ensuring that the pool structure was preserved. I do not know whether that is still part of their mission. I also recall talk of rebuilding the band shell at the park. It was only further along in the group’s development that beautification become part of their mission.

Mr. Peter Grimm (president of The Friends of Prospect Park and County Legislator representing the City of Troy) is quoted in the September 1st edition of The Record as saying “The problem here is not the pavilion at all, it is the structure of people trying to work together to get things done and a non-resident renegade can do what he sees fit, not in accordance with the two organizations.” This is pure political spin, plan and simple. Mr. Grimm, you were a renegade when you established The Friends, weren’t you? Although Mr. Jacques now resides in Haynesville, he was a decades-long resident of Troy. He’s no outsider. He is president of the Uncle Sam Memorial Foundation. He is well known for his tireless work to see recognition is properly given to Sam Wilson. To besmirch his character is reprehensible.

What I think happened is that these people were unable to persuade this determinedly dedicated old Seabee from seeing HIS dream come true. Were The Friends attempting to get Mr. Jacques to change his pavilion and its location so that it could be used as a band shell too? Were the members of his foundation lobbying for a bigger facility? If that is indeed the case, a consensus was never going to be reached. It was his concept. He lived long enough to see it built.