As members of the Marquette community involved with the redevelopment of Norris Park, we appreciate your recent article regarding this important project on Milwaukee's Near West Side (Sept. 12 issue). So that your readers fully understand the scope of the project, which has been in development since March 2004 when the City of Milwaukee adopted the Near West Side Comprehensive Plan, we offer the following additional background.

The Friends of Norris Park is a collaboration of Marquette University (represented by students and administrators), the City of Milwaukee (Department of City Development and Department of Public Works), the Avenues West Association (our neighborhood business association) and local property owners.

The redevelopment of Norris Park was designated a "catalytic project" in the Near West Side Comprehensive Plan, which means that the city and community see the park's improvement as instrumental to positively changing the neighborhood. The complete plan can be accessed at www.mkedcd.org.

The final design of Norris Park represents the input of key community stakeholders, including Marquette, property owners, the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee Center for Independence and others. As the result of information gathered through visioning sessions and surveys, it reflects what the neighborhood wants given the population.

The decision to eliminate the "tot lot" was made based on market research conducted early in our planning process that indicates there is not a critical mass of children within a half-mile of the park. In fact, the two closest stakeholders that do serve children, the Milwaukee Rescue Mission's Joy House and the Milwaukee Center for Independence, both have extensive playgrounds on their premises.

Norris Park will serve as a crown jewel in our neighborhood. It very much takes into consideration the larger community. The walking paths, basketball half court and large, open green space will be enjoyed by every member of the community, which has been the goal of this project since its inception. It's also nice to know that Marquette students will have a desirable place to play sports, read a book, hang out with friends and meet their neighbors.

Calandriello is president of Marquette Student Government and a senior in the College of Business Administration.

Winkel is the director of governmental and community relations and an alumna of the College of Business Administration.

Note from Editor: The Milwaukee Rescue Mission's Joy House said its park serves only its guests and has a no trespassing policy.