What We Can Do for the Mall_

John Parsons, a former associate director of the National Park Service, drew attention to the Mall's deterioration but called grass-roots efforts to find a creative long-term solution "misguided" ["The Future of the History Beneath Our Feet," Close to Home, Jan. 18].

This attitude toward thoughtful public involvement (and probably toward a new report, "Rethinking the National Mall") is precisely why an independent Mall commission composed of prominent Americans is urgently needed.

The Mall belongs to all Americans -- a reality demonstrated in magnificent and inspiring fashion in the past three days. As we start this new chapter in our nation's history, we call upon the new administration to work with Congress and District leaders to create a commission to coordinate the full range of Mall stakeholders -- including the National Park Service, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the architect of the Capitol and the public -- in creating a new vision for the Mall. The possibilities are tremendously exciting for all Americans.

We can rethink the future of this special place, the stage for our unique democracy, that symbolizes who we are as a people and tells our American story.

JUDY SCOTT FELDMAN

Chair and President

National Coalition to Save Our Mall

Rockville