You Are Entitled...As Am I

Sharon Brookes has left a new comment on your post "A Letter from S Morton Leonard":

I like the comment about "go sit under a tree in the empty park". My husband and I are amazed how few people use the parks in Aurora, at any time of year. Empty most of the day. Dozens of parks and no one in them. Take a look yourself and see if this isn't true. I think if this wasn't Sher St. Kitts event, there would be little drama over the music festival. I'm not one to favour shameless self promotion, don't personally care for the woman myself, but have no problem with fencing the park for a few days, because NO ONE ELSE IS THERE ANYWAY.
****************
Your comment was still in my inbox. Your name separated it from the list of anonymous .
With respect, I disagree that  it doesn't matter if the town park is fenced because no-one uses it. Your opinion is based  on the fact  you don't see the park being used while you are using it.
But you are using it.You may be the only person there at that moment.  You are there. The park is being used. 
Being there... Being able to see the park in all it's tranquility is a use, in my opinion. People pay a premium for a home abutting a park and even more  for a golf course. 
Three days of  being secured with five foot chain link security fence  for a commercial  purpose with an admission charge, is not the function  of a public park.
I freely acknowledge the St Kitts woman and her friends are not among my favourite people, with good reason. 
I would oppose the park being fenced by any group with the same determined opportunistic bent to make money.
The Aurora Horse Show was a town event. The Town  and the Aurora Agriculture Society were partners.The Park was the  fair ground  It had always been enclosed by a white picket fence..
The last time the horse show wasthere, the picket fence was in bad shape. It was decided to remove it for the fair.. 
Council decided the park looked better without the fence so it was never replaced. 
You are the first person who has suggested  parks are not needed because people do not use them and so they might as well be fenced for a  jazz festival.

That's like Councillor Ballard's rationale the band shell should be free because no-one else is using it. Like user fees  should not be paid  for  arenas, soccer fields,  baseball diamonds,  swimming pools or fitness centres, any time they happen not to be in use. Because,of course,it costs nothing to provide and maintain, even when  they are not in use.
Councillor Ballard is a business consultant. He charges fees for his expertise. I guess he provides advice  free  any time  he is not  being consulted  by  fee-paying clients.  
Thousands gather in the park for band concerts in the summer The Festival of Lights and outdoor ice create a fairyland in the winter.. No fence is erected. No admission is charged, No cost to the taxpayer except for staff to organize and solicit sponsors.No programs better appreciated..
You are certainly entitled to your opinion Ms Brookes, without being accused of  ulterior motive   
I hope you will accord me the same right.