By Sherry Lynn Gros for The Highland Park Review October 20, 2023 Mobile, AL
EDITORIAL
On this day, five years ago, I stepped outside, greeted by a beautiful Sunday morning, ready to attend church. What awaited me was not merely a moment of personal shock and disbelief but a poignant reminder of our community’s ongoing struggle. A hateful sign – designed to intimidate not just me but anyone who followed my cause, strategically placed by the Lakeview/Highland Homeowners Association (HOA), next to a sign of support from my church community, sparked laughter and conversations among passersby. This display was not merely hateful; it was a manifestation born out of my steadfast commitment to preserving the Highland Park Subdivision—a commitment that has faced significant challenges over the years.
In October 2019, my advocacy against the HOA’s decision to dismantle the dam, disrupt the micro-climate, and erase the memory of our beloved Highland Park Subdivision was met with resistance. The ensuing smear campaign against myself and my fellow advocates only intensified, yet my resolve remained unshaken. The need to protect our 25-acre, century-old park and its surrounding ecosystem became increasingly urgent as I watched my adversaries work faster and feverishly to destroy the dam while neighboring communities benefit from public and private park developments funded by grants. Meanwhile, Highland Park’s progress remained stymied, a stark reminder of the hurdles faced by grassroots efforts in the face of bureaucratic inertia. Despite these challenges, I have not wavered in my mission.
Over the past six years, I have worked tirelessly to establish a coalition of dedicated residents—three committees composed of thirty individuals eager to champion our cause are planned. Together, we will strive to revitalize and maintain our cherished park, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its natural beauty and ecological significance. After serving one year on the committee, each appointed active member will be qualified to serve on the Board of Directors of HPca if they are not a board member already.
I invite others who share our vision of environmental stewardship and community resilience to join us. Whether through advocacy, volunteer work, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts. Our journey is not just about preserving a 25-acre park and lake-land on the Milkhouse Creek in Mobile AL; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility within our community. As we reflect on the past five years, it is clear that the fight for Highland Park is far from over. However, with collective action and unwavering dedication, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. Thank you for considering how you might contribute to this vital cause.
~Sherry Lynn Gros, President Highland Park Community Association, Inc., Mobile, AL