I am writing this letter to indicate my wholehearted support for the East Hills Village referendum to develop the Park at East Hills.

Although I am a senior citizen, have lived in East Hills for the past 42 years, raised two children who attended East Hills School, the former Jr. High, and Roslyn High School, I firmly believe it is time to act on this great opportunity to offer our children and grandchildren a park of their own, where they can spend their free time in the great outdoors, in a safe, supervised environment.

We moved to Roslyn because of the school district's reputation and we were not disappointed. What was missing was a place to swim, play tennis, and a playground. I was envious of Lakeville Estates and Country Estates and their pools. Even the small playground at the Duck Pond did not exist then. We joined the Roslyn Country Club until our children started going to camp and again later, when they spent the summer at home.

Times have changed drastically since then. The school bus stop on Great Oaks Road disappeared a number of years ago, not because there are no children, but because parents are afraid to let their children walk alone on the streets. Rarely do any children play in the street anymore, for that too is unsafe. When my children were growing up, most mothers stayed home, did not work, and were able to keep track of their children's activities and whereabouts. Today, with both parents working in so many families, the availability of the park is of utmost importance to these parents.

We, the residents of East Hills are so very fortunate to have a mayor and board of trustees who have had the foresight to obtain these magnificent 50 acres for us, at no cost to us. They have continued to devote long hours for days, months and years to present this beautiful plan for our approval. Our entire East Hills village community, now and in the future, young, old and in the middle will gain by approving this carefully laid out plan. We will not have another opportunity.

Hilda Yohalem