This is a beautiful space where kids ride bikes, dogs walk, people sit and talk, and children encounter sculpture without having to travel far. This may seem like a small corner of the Theodore Roosevelt Park, but it has a huge effect on the lives of all who live in the area, and all those who visit — and also those who take a break from the museum. We have so many memories of this space.

Although we have Central Park nearby, it is these small neighborhood green spaces that have made city living tolerable and more like cities in Europe where the many small park areas and green spaces add great beauty and happiness to the locals and tourists alike. Please don’t let us lose this space!!!

Having both a dog and a small child, this outdoor space is used every day!!! Please don’t take our green play space away.

We love this park and won’t let it go without a fight. Many of our neighbors are away but come fall, the museum will really hear from the neighbors who cherish the park!!!

The Museum has enough unused space in areas which they could use, instead of taking away parts of this beautiful park enjoyed by children, people of all ages, dogs, birds, squirrels, and other creatures. Not to mention the landscaping of flowers and the beautiful trees. I for one, walk through this park every day. It takes my breath away as a beautiful piece of music, lifting the spirit.

New buildings are choking us. We need this park for greenery and relaxation.

This park was a lovely dedication to an amazing person, and deserves to be treated with respect. Not only that but it’s been a haven for myself, friends and neighbors for 15 years. The museum shouldn’t be allowed to snap up public land to pad their bottom line.

At any time of the day and evening, there are local, often aging regulars, seated, communicating, resting. It has become a haven for the lonely, a place to think, communicate, relax and feel safe. When the city is so cluttered, uncaring, and cold, this affords us a place of warmth, community, communication and most important…a safe respite!!!! PLEASE do not destroy my garden!!!!

My family uses this area of the park on a daily basis. It’s where my child learned to walk.

This park is the village square of the Upper West Side. If the museum destroys our park/square, they will sow inestimable resentment amongst the local populace.

It’s a crime to get rid of this oasis.

As a member of the museum who gives annually I am against the expansion. I believe museums must have the opportunity to evolve to serve new constituencies but AMNH has so much poorly used internal space already! I love the museum but work internally and don’t take our neighborhood park.

Theodore Roosevelt Park has been an integral part of the lives of all the residents of this neighborhood (where I have lived for 21 years). It is an inviting gathering place and such a welcoming oasis at the top of 79th Street. To ignore its natural purpose around the Museum of Natural History is a huge mistake.

I believe there is a win-win solution to the museum’s wishes and needs, and that can address… citizens’ concerns. One only has to look at what happened recently with the Frick Museum to see how this can be accomplished. I believe, with the multitude of existing buildings, that a “smart” solution (can be found), one that considers space utilization, environmental impact and landmark considerations.

It is such a serene and special place that my family enjoys frequently. It saddens us that it may soon be transformed into a construction site.

It is a place where residents and neighborhood workers alike gather, find relaxation and calm; where the elderly sit to enjoy the greenery and take the air; where children with their mothers and nannies meet to play; a “town square” where neighbors converse and socialize. It is a vital part of the fabric of our neighborhood — more necessary now than ever as we face another apartment building boom on the West Side between 77th and 81st Streets.