Senior Biology student Caleb Moses created the petition “Save Sherlock!” with Change.Org on February 11, 2021 in an effort to display the tension that has been created after the announcement from Tech to plan to build over Sherlock Park starting Summer 2021.
Moses believes that most students oppose this plan, and want Sherlock Park to remain as is. Sherlock Park is located in the heart of campus, just behind Stonecipher.
Many organizations on campus use the park to host meetings and events. Tech’s Golden Eagle Marching Band has used Sherlock to host rehearsals for many fall semesters, skipping the Fall 2020 semester due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Live Action Role Play Club frequently uses Sherlock to host its meetings. Students can often be seen kicking around a ball when the weather allows it. For this reason, many student-led organizations are also opposed to Tech repurposing the area. Students and members of the Cookeville community state that Sherlock park holds sentimental value to them.
Sherlock Park is the largest open, green space on campus. The space is popular among hammockers for its use of trees, as there are not any large spaces to do so on campus.
The Change.org petition now has almost 2,000 signatures, but Moses is doing more than just sharing his petition for the cause. Moses is financially backing the cause using his personal funds to purchase and share “Save Sherlock” stickers that you may have already spotted around campus. Although, Moses does not condone any vandalism, and asks that everyone who receives a sticker be respectful and courteous of where they choose to place it.
Moses has not yet officially met with any Tech representatives about the issue but hopes the petition will begin a conversation. He wants the petition to allow students, alumni and community voices to be heard. He mentioned that he spoke with some members of the Student Government Organization, and they say that Tech is aware of student backlash. Moses has organized an event for his cause at Sherlock Park on March 11, at 11am.
