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P/SUNNY Temp: 51 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Friday, June 20, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 18, 2003 Cascade Christian dealhits constituional snag By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune A private school hopes to stick with the game plan for a partnership with the city parks department. After volleying on a lease agreement between the city of Medford and Cascade Christian High School, the two parties have run into some disagreements about a public park on a private school’s new campus. Among those are the issue of separation of church and state. "We just couldn’t sign off and agree that we would not hold organized prayer at the park because we can go to Hawthorne Park and hold organized prayer," said Reid Murphy of Murphy Construction, who also serves on the school's foundation board. Advertisement Cascade Christian High School approached the council in May about a joint venture on a 7.47-acre parcel next to the proposed school location, where Table Rock Road crosses Bear Creek near Interstate 5. The school offered to cover most development costs and maintenance costs, while the land would remain city property as a public park, and be maintained by the city when school is out of session, for about four months. Murphy said after they got support from the parks commission and a thumbs-up from the council, CCHS submitted a three- page agreement. "We were just modeling after agreements that were already in place with the city and private groups," said Murphy. But then the city came back with a 10-page draft with "restrictive wording" that they couldn’t accept, he said. City staff declined extensive discussion on the matter because of ongoing negotiations with the school. "Because this is public land acquired with public funds, there are constraints," said City Manager Mike Dyal. City Attorney Ron Doyle said that because of the grant conditions under which the land was acquired, it has to be developed as a park or it reverts back to the state. Doyle said that in order for government to help a private party, the primary use must be secular in nature and cannot promote or advance a religion, according to federal law and the state constitution. Murphy said they would not promote religious events at the public park, but would like the students to be able to pray for safety before a soccer or football game. Murphy said that he and CCHS Principal and Superintendent Ray Johnson will speak during the public comment portion of the Medford City Council on Thursday. The council meets at noon and 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St., Medford. The city attorney said it’s too early to throw in the towel on the joint venture. "We’ll continue working with them," said Doyle. While Murphy said they’re looking into other options, such as arranging a land swap with the city, coming to an agreement on a lease is his first preference. "I feel confident that we can work out the legalese," said Murphy. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times