To the Editor:
I am writing on behalf of Backyard Terrors Dinosaur Park in Bluff City, Tenn. The owner and creator is Chris Kastner. Chris is an artist, as well as a benevolent soul. He shares this educational and fun marvel with the entire community for free. People travel from other states to visit. Local families visit often. He does not charge an admission fee to keep it open, so that it is available to all families. It is primarily donation operated. It is a wonderful resource for low income families who might not be able to afford other types of educational recreation.
Sullivan County Planning and Codes has threatened not only to close this wonderful resource, but also to jail and fine Chris and his family. The park is amazing, there is nothing like it in this region. There are petitions on Facebook as well as within the community to protest the harassment Chris and the park are facing. I am asking the community to reach out in support of the park.
I am a volunteer at Backyard Terrors in my spare time. My lifelong career has been serving the community as a social worker. I speak to so many people who have so few resources. His park is a beacon of light to everyone, but especially to local low income and underserved families. We need to advocate for such resources. We need to support our local children. Please help if you can. He had to obtain an attorney to fight this. The Backyard Terrors Facebook page has a donation link. You can donate in person. You can call Sullivan County Planning and Codes at 423-323-6440 to share your support and concerns. You can email Governor Bill Lee at billl@fnal.gov. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Brandy Garland
Gray