UC bans DIY woodwork projects in People's Park, as UC continues decommissioning process

The UC is trying to beat the clock, which is counting down to the 50th anniversary of People's Park (in the year 2019). In 2019, the "50 year rule" will apply to People's Park. In 2019, People's Park can be designated a historical site of archeological importance, which would help to block any plans of development. Also in 2019, management of People's Park could be taken away from the UC through petition, and the space could become a California State Park.

The UC is well aware that in 4 years, they could lose control of an extremely valuable plot of land. The UC has already begun the process of decommissioning the space as a Park. This year, the UC has been trying to stress that the park is 'real estate'. Tree removal began in Spring Break, and is scheduled to start again after the World Music Festival. The UC has stated their intentions are to remove over 70 trees in the space by summer's end.

The stage is another target for removal. The UC stated it wanted to remove the stage because it is in disrepair. The UC was informed that people were raising money to buy wood to fix the stage. So now, the UC has mandated that the stage cannot be fixed, and has imposed a ban on all DIY woodworking projects in the Park and all campus property. There was a previous belief that the UC might replace the stage with a stage of their own, but no design has been shown to the public and there is no proof of any funding allotted for a new stage.

The UC initially claimed that volunteers could place new trees to replace cut trees, but the UC changed the rules and removed trees that were planted. A buckeye tree was planted and taken out on 4/20 (April 20th). A plum tree planted a few days later was also removed. Given the lack of open communication and lack of public process, it does currently appear that previous claims of a new stage are untrue. After the World Music Festival, the UC will remove the stage and leave that portion of the park bare.

The People's Park community advisory board has not been reinstated despite a prior official request from the Berkeley peace and justice commission, Berkeley city council, and members of the former advisory board. It would not be the same the members as in the past, because some have left Berkeley or are in the process of leaving Berkeley. The public requested a process to recreate a board with old and new members. The UC has denied this request to make a new functioning community advisory board. This wood working project was going to be lead by a member of the former board and by People's Park founder Michael Delacour. Both the former board member and Michael Delacour were the first 2 volunteers informed about the ban. The email was also sent to the World Music Festival organizer, as well as UC officials.

Work has been done to the stage in the past. Last year, a few panels were replace on the stage-top. The ban on further work this year makes no sense, other than it being a display control by the UC. A refurbished stage goes against the UC's public relations narrative that People Park is a forgotten, wayward park with no active volunteers.

People can express their support for volunteer woodworking. Future plans for People's Park is managed by the UC's Department of Strategic Initiatives, which sounds like a homeland security term. Email at: Moira moirap [at] berkeley.edu

-Info-
What: Organize to fix the People's Park stage
When: Saturday, June 6th, at noon - and depending on circumstances Sunday, June 7th, at noon
Where: People's Park
Bring: Tools, food, ideas
(Changes or updates will be posted as comment below this post.)