January, 2011

Dear Friends of Rosedale,

Eight years ago, Cleveland Park celebrated the neighborhood’s against-all-odds acquisition of Rosedale Park and its preservation. . . in perpetuity.

Perpetuity. . . that's a long time. And, frankly, that's the really hard part of this job: maintaining community financial support for the park year in and year out. . . in perpetuity.

So far, so good! Rosedale, our village green, has prospered with the generous support of the Conservancy’s members. And for this we thank you. Because, as a neighborhood-funded park, Rosedale’s only source of financial assistance is you.

Managing the park has settled into a fairly predictable financial pattern. The baseline budget -- for lawn care, tree care, insurance, water and electricity for irrigation, and funds to support the Easter Egg hunt, June BBQ, and Halloween community events -- adds up to around $35,000 per year.

In addition, each year brings expensive contingencies. In 2010, we have had an $8,000 bill for pruning up our beloved boxwoods after the record snows snapped dozens of decades-old branches. And then a summer thunderstorm knocked down a black walnut, adding another $3,500 to our annual tab.

That means that, as a neighborhood, we can never slack off on our support for Rosedale. Everyone who values having this historic, lovely village green -- guaranteed safe from developers -- needs to keep on giving, every year.

So please take a few minutes now to join, or renew your $100 annual membership in the Conservancy for 2011. And strongly consider giving a further gift above that. Rosedale depends heavily on gifts over and above that $100 membership level.

Also, if you wish to bring your dog to Rosedale during 2011, you must also purchase your annual dog license and receive the new red 2011 Rosedale dog tag.

Keep Rosedale thriving and beautiful.  Please renew your support now ».

With gratitude,
Roger Pollak
President