During a recent government meeting, community members expressed concerns regarding the future of 3 Friends Park and its potential implications for local residents. The discussions centered around a proposed project that would repurpose park land for educational use, specifically for the expansion of a local school, Cahokia East.

Residents voiced their worries about losing green space and recreational facilities, emphasizing the importance of parks for community well-being. One speaker, Busta Jose, highlighted parallels between the situation at 3 Friends Park and ongoing issues in Cahokia, stressing that residents were not adequately informed about the changes. She argued that the community deserves transparency regarding the fate of their parks, particularly as they have already seen significant land loss in the past.

Another resident, Juan Santana, echoed these sentiments, raising safety concerns about public access to school facilities and the potential for conflicts between students and community members. He urged the city to consider relocating the school to a more suitable area, emphasizing the need to preserve existing recreational spaces.

City officials responded by clarifying that the land in question remains city-owned and that the project aims to enhance community resources, including new sports facilities. They assured attendees that safety measures would be implemented to separate school activities from public use, particularly during school hours.

The meeting concluded with officials encouraging community input and promising to address residents' concerns as the project moves forward. The city plans to hold further discussions to ensure that the needs of both the school and the community are met, while also maintaining transparency throughout the process.