The Springfield Parks Commission voted at its February 4th meeting to begin contract negotiations with the Spirit of Springfield, for the renewal of Bright Nights at Forest Park.

Over many months, the Citizens to Save Forest Park and the Forest Park Civic Association have requested public hearings/discussions on ALL aspects of Bright Nights, including its impact on Forest Park and the adjacent neighborhoods and the financial management of the income generated by this use of our public park.

At the recent May 7th meeting of the Parks Commission, Chairwoman Rivera, said, "we have had these hearings!" However, the only hearings held so far were on October 2, 1997 on traffic patterns, changes in Forest Park & Sumner Ave. 11/12/97 Environmental effects of traffic on Park animals and water table in the Park,

No hearings, with input by the public, have ever been held regarding the questions raised by the FPCA and the CSFP about:

• the full impact on Forest Park and the contiguous neighborhoods.
• the innumerable structures in place for up to 5 long months, including the large numbers of electric boxes and extension wire.
• the length of the event.
• access of Barney Hill to real kids for sledding.
• use of a public park for a commercial. Venture with billboards.
• neighborhood traffic.
• refusal by Spirit of Springfield to publicly disclose its financial and other information about its Bright Nights operations in Park.

The need to press for the public involvement continues. Call Wilfred Valliere for more information. Phone: 788-4482.