Fate of Parkland School nears – Do you BELIEVE?

By Marianne Lincoln

After learning in 2022, that Pacific Lutheran University planned to sell the Parkland school for development and demolition, the Parkland Community rallied around their historic landmark. They rousted the Landmarks Commission to preserve its historic status, They went to the County Council and spoke out. They reformed the 501(c)(3) Parkland Community Assn. (PCA) and started raising money. They sent a contingent to meet with the President of the college and negotiated a purchase agreement. They picketed on the street, posted signs and flies all over the community. They even threw the school a 115th birthday party. They won a few grants and raised about $44k dollars. They did an engineering study on the building and ascertained its value.

When they haven’t done is loosen up enough pocketbooks to have the money to purchase the building. With a November 3, 2023 deadline looming, the Save Parkland School Committee still needs that magic benefactor that will lock in the purchase price of $2.85 million.

Once secured, the studies have shown with about another $15 million, the building will be ready to house a community services center. The gymnasium is pristine, but the roof, boiler and lack of an elevator need attention.

So there is a question hovering over the Parkland Community. Do you deserve a Community? Do you want this icon to become your Community Center? Are you paying attention? Have you given to the cause that may make an amazing difference in your very own neighborhood? Here is your chance!

This QR code goes to a site called Swipe Simple that their Credit Union uses to process gift transactions.

Here are links to other information about the project. You can use them to overwhelm yourself with the data and research the group has conducted or – you can BELIEVE and donate generously. You can believe in your community of Parkland and stand up for it. Or, you can walk away as the building gets torn down and call yourself losers. I think you should stand up and believe in yourselves.

YOU CAN DO THIS Parkland, your time is almost up.