The election results are in and I congratulate our entering/continuing Malibu City Council members. One ongoing topic involves proposals to “better utilize” Malibu’s Legacy Park. This blissful place showcases a plot of land in its natural setting, in the center of Malibu, and offers an experience unmatched in our metropolis. It’s sufficiently removed from Malibu Bluffs Park’s visitors that frolic across its manicured grass lawns, hold barbecues, enjoy children’s playgrounds, soccer, baseball fields, outdoor movies, car shows, etc. It’s clear that these two diverse venues serve us in profoundly different, yet enjoyable ways.
To those who claim that Legacy is underutilized, consider it as an outdoor, living natural museum, through which one can peacefully stroll, hear the rustling of the leaves and the melodies of the birds, appreciate a pure white egret enjoying the park’s pond or feel a mild zephyr embrace us. I close my eyes, take in a slow, deep breath of fresh air and, for a fleeting moment, feel as if I’m back in time. It’s ironic to encounter the occasional visitor who seems concerned about the the Legacy’s underutilization, while choosing the serenity of the Legacy over the din, congestion and cement walkways of Malibu Bluffs Park. Thank goodness we can experience such variety in such a small coastal region.
An ongoing challenge pertains to the needs of a small number of concerned citizens who attend council meetings and regularly voice their opinions to modify Legacy Park. It is tempting to conclude that the squeaky wheel should get the grease. Yet, one must consider the needs of both groups on an equal footing. The term “silent majority” has evolved to convey a negative connotation in our highly charged political arena. In our case, it may be that the majority of Malibuites are pleased with the serenity of the Legacy Park, yet choose not to rustle the political charged leaves of the naysayers.
I prefer that both venues remain as is. It is so refreshing that we have free choice in our pleasant community. Personally, my doggies and I prefer to have our Legacy Park become just that: A legacy.
David Pepper