A carousel is proposed for Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and although the proponents of the plan say the picnic area will not be affected, walking around the area, it seemed to us that it will be impacted. It is the open space local residents claim as their own. It will be compacted if the project is completed as suggested.

We feel we are speaking for the everyday residents of the Town of Oyster Bay when we say their use of the picnic areas are as important as any other groups. They are the "silent majority." They are scattered throughout the township and are not being asked if they want to lose their "open space."

Last Sunday, someone pointed to the houses that border the park. He said during the summer those local residents cook their dinners at home and bring them out to the park to enjoy sitting at the picnic tables.

He also mentioned that when trees blow down in a storm they come out of the soil, roots and all. There is reason for that, a lot of water is under that marshland that was filled in to create the park.

The carousel with Theodore Roosevelt as a theme is something that a great many people in the area will want to support. It might be better located at Sagamore Hill itself, to increase their visitation, especially since they are planning on renovating their site.

A carousel might also be great located on Route 25, at the entrance to Oyster Bay on part of the fields on the Pulling estate. We have heard that there is hope a lovely field will be purchased for open space.

If we are going to fill the open space at TR Park, why not fill the open space on Route 25 that is the entrance to Cove Road and Yellow Cote Road, that leads right into the heart of the hamlet. From there is it a short ride into the hamlet.

We hope our views are just part of the discussion about what happens at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. TR realized the common people of Oyster Bay had no access to the waterfront. His vision created the open space that local residents love and truly use for strolling, swimming, sailing, picnicking and playing horseshoes. Let's keep it open space - so say the local residents.

- DFK