By Shelia Huffman, BubbleLife Columnist

For 57 years, Merriwood Ranch has taught thousands of children to ride horses and preserved some of the last remaining green space in Garland, Texas. Now, a developer wants to turn this unique place into a housing development.

Please help save Merriwood!

Even if you are not a horse person or do not have children interested in learning to ride at Merriwood, there are still many reasons the undeveloped land is essentially important to the well-being of the city of Garland and the surrounding areas. (Students come to Merriwood from East Dallas, Lake Highlands, the Park Cities and Richardson, as well).

For one, studies have proven that green space increases the economic value of a city.

It produces lovely views, positive lifestyles and community identity—attributes people look for when buying a home or moving into a community.

Green space also provides a valuable ecological contribution to a city. Through natural resources, it prevents soil erosion and absorbs rainwater, thereby improving drainage in and around an area. It can even reduce the urban heat island effect, often lowering air conditioning usage—something we are all interested in during the sweltering Texas summers.

If, on the other hand, you are a horse person, have ever attended camp at Merriwood or taken a child or grandchild to camp there, then the rest is history. You know first-hand the value of Merriwood.

Horses are an important part of our heritage. Like all animals, they are vital in teaching our children responsibility and compassion, skills for growing into successful adults.

I recently interviewed several "moms" for a Mother’s Day story that I wrote about teaching children values. These women were selected by the role models they represented in the community. Interestingly enough, horses were a tool that the mothers related to in their own childhood and wanted repeated in their child’s.

Jeannie Courtwright grew up riding horses and has had her daughter Sunny riding since she was a toddler. Jeannie believes that the responsibility of a horse develops friendship, integrity and respect for God’s creatures.

Deborah Adams, mother of three daughters, also grew up with a love of horses. She sees their benefit in teaching responsibility and respect to young girls. 

I will always remember and cherish the times I spent at the “horse barn” with my children and our horses. 

I will also always remember the first time I took my granddaughter to camp at Merriwood. It was an early morning in June; I took a seat on a bench, under a tree, and I just wanted to stay.

Merriwood is a special place. Please keep it zoned for agricultural use.

And please, keep Merriwood around for generations to come.

If you would like to write a letter regarding the outcome of Merriwood Ranch, you may write to Garland Mayor Douglas Athas at mayor@garlandtx.gov.

If you live in Garland, you may also want to send a letter to the City Council person who represents you. You can find their individual contact information here. Please reference your letter “File 13-22.” 

You can also find more information about the efforts to save Merriwood Ranch on the group's Facebook page.