Back in the 1940s and 1950s when suburbia was just being created, the push for open space seemed to be a high priority. But today that priority seems to have gotten lost somewhere.

More parks, swings, sandboxes, ballfields, water fountains, area beaches and nature preserves build healthy communities¬give children a place to exercise themselves and their creativity¬and also add to the value of neighboring homes.

Just a short note of agreement.

I lived on Ontario Avenue in Massapequa from birth to graduation from Plainedge HS in '77.

As an avid bicyclist, I found community parks to be welcome breaks in my explorations of southeast Nassau. Parks with water fountains were particularly treasured oases (and seemed few and far between at the time.)

I can also recall reading a county report which showed that Plainedge had a particularly small amount of undeveloped space remaining in the district, compared to other communities.

I hope that you continue to watch for opportunities to suggest wise use of the remaining land in Massapequa. (As a resident of Massachusetts, I have little opportunity to help out myself.)