Editor’s note: The following is the text of Gil Hutchinson’s presentation to the Brentwood City Commission on Monday, Sept. 26. Hutchinson is president of Citizens for Brentwood Green Space,  a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and stimulating community action to preserve open space in Brentwood since 2004.

Good evening ...

The City’s acquisition of 320 acres at Ravenswood to create the new Marcella Vivrette Smith Park in November, 2010 was the largest land purchase ever in Brentwood.  This magnificent property will be the “crown jewel” in the park system for people to enjoy for generations to come.

The City has already made significant financial commitments toward the park - $10 million for the purchase of 320 acres plus an additional $10 million for park improvements over the next 6 years.  Something that has not been talked about very much however, but equally important, is that the City has an opportunity to purchase an additional 80 acres at Ravenswood Farm from The Conservation Fund by December 31, 2013 for $3 million.

However, given the economic conditions prevailing now, and the City's commitment to its long standing record of low taxes, the City has indicated that it cannot commit all of the needed $3 million in funds for the additional 80 acres at this time without community support and other sources.

You have before you tonight a Resolution to adopt a Master Plan for the Development of Smith Park.  One of the Concept Plans includes acquiring the 80 acres and the other does not.

This land, which contains a large flat meadow, great vistas and a pond, would be a valuable addition to the existing property.  We believe that the community will want to help support the purchase of this beautiful land and take advantage of this opportunity. Athletic clubs, wildlife conservationists, civic groups, trail (walking, hiking or bike) enthusiasts, as well as all Brentwood area residents need to rally around this great opportunity to guarantee this additional land will become permanent green space.

We must not forego this valuable option to purchase these additional 80 acres of green space and lose this beautiful piece of property to development.  The Citizens for Brentwood Green Space is willing to do its part and is announcing tonight a commitment to lead a fund raising drive to raise $300,000 towards the purchase price.  We believe that this significant donation will assist the City, encourage other donors and show the City the level of community support for this wonderful opportunity.

This goal is already well positioned for success due to an anonymous matching donor who has approached us.  In announcing this fund raising drive, we are reaching out to our fellow citizens for their support in making this fund drive a success.  Volunteers will be needed to help with the fund raising events.  Opportunities will exist for the citizens of Brentwood to demonstrate their commitment to the preservation of accessible, open space in our beloved City. 

For many of us, one of the most appealing aspects – and selling points – of living in Brentwood is the sheer amount of open space that surrounds us.  Our green space is a gift, and it must be protected for future generations.

We only have about twenty seven months, a little less, to make a difference. That’s twenty seven months and counting.  The time to act is now.  This is our opportunity as a community to help bring about the permanent protection of this special place.  We are confident that, along with the support of the entire community, we can meet the challenges presented by this once in a life time opportunity and help the City meet or exceed their $3 million goal.

In closing, I’d like to share the heartfelt words from a concerned citizen that is a beautiful expression of what so many of us treasure here: 

"Brentwood's value will drop if it loses its green space and becomes another generic, poorly planned community. Once green space is lost, it is lost forever. It is our duty to be good stewards of the wonderful resources, including green space that this city possesses."

We thank the Commission and you again for your time and consideration of these visions for the future.