Submitted by gee whiz, Mar 11, 2008 11:38

For the record, I'd like to say that the only reason I'm getting involved in this rather silly debate - the only reason I'm aware it's occuring - is because I have a friend who works for the park, who has informed me of this little... shall we say... situation.

But come on. Based purely on what I've read, the complaints seem to be based largely on a misguided notion that this change is the result of some sort of bizarre dedication to an obsolete notion of political correctness. Weird. I might say the obsession with political correctness lies with the people complaining about this name change, not with the Prospect Park Alliance. There must be some deep-seated liberal guilt going on deep down inside if the first thing that pops to mind when a PARK changes the name of an EVENT is this question of "what really defines a family anyway?"

As far as I understand, "Family Day" was changed to "Members Spring Fest" to promote inclusiveness. Shockingly, not everyone is part of a family. When I say this (as a queer woman, by the way, if for some problematic reason that gives me more credibility) I am not referring to an alternative dedication to a "non-traditional lifestyle/family," be it gay, polyamorous, Xtreme, incestuous, or any other type. I am referring to people that are, for whatever reason, single. Or people whose partners are dead.

As a Brooklynite in her twenties, despite a deep-seated love for Prospect Park and a strong desire to frolick there as often as possible with others who share my passion, I would never attend an event called "Family Day," simply because I would not feel included. It would never even occur to me to get a bee in my bonnet and clear my schedule for such an event.

In regard to people who have suggested making a "Day" for every sort of person and keeping "Family Day" as well - are you serious? Let me just insert a brief reminder that these things take time, energy, and MONEY. Let's be realistic, and abandon this weird, segregationist mentality. Thanks to "Members Spring Fest," we can all do so while playing frisbee in a patch of moist green grass in Prospect Park - whether or not we decided to bear spawn.

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