The Maple Valley Parks and Recreation Commission continued the discussion about what to do with two pieces of property last Wednesday.

The commission is still several months away from making any final recommendations to the City Council regarding the properties, but residents are still letting their concerns and/or support for the potential uses be heard.

During the meeting, Dawn Barnett of Maple Valley, presented a petition with 44 signatures asking for the commission to not allow South Sound Critter Care to purchase Henry’s Switch.

Barnett’s concerns about the potential for the wildlife rescue center moving to Henry’s Switch included loss of park land for the city, the potential for foul odors and noise coming from the center and decreasing home values in the Sawyer Crest neighborhood, which is adjacent to Henry’s Switch.

Kate Harper of Maple Valley, who supports the wildlife center’s potential relocation to Henry’s Switch, suggested there should be a discussion between the various groups who both oppose and support the center to talk about concerns and address questions.

The commission agreed to have at least two additional meetings early next year to address Harper’s idea. After the commission makes a visit to the two park sites in question, Henry’s Switch and the property at 216th Avenue SE and SE 276th Street, they will hold a public workshop and a public hearing to discuss the potential for both properties.

Dates for those meetings have not been scheduled yet.