During the controversy over the Cedar Park Plans, much discussion centered on the need for Riparian Buffers. These are usually deliberate plantings to restore a stream bank to a natural state. Many advocates for the new plans may be surprised to learn that they are only correcting mistakes made by previous advocates. When Lehigh Parkway was originally designed and completed in the late 1930's, most of the existing paths were not included. Almost the entire stream bank on the north side between Robin Hood Bridge and the Klein Bridge (new metal pedestrian bridge) was retained in its natural state. Except for a small picnic area adjoining the stream's edge (old water fountain remains) the remainder of that side was untouched. It remained that way at least into the 1960's. Like wise, only the north side path between Robin Hood Bridge and North Bridge existed. (Regency Tower end of park). On the southern side of the stream the path stopped just beyond the Stepped Stone Structure. The park lies in a deep ravine. The original builders only built the paths in those area's which had meadow between the slope and the stream, allowing distance between the path and the water and also allowing for over half the park to remain in it's natural state. The extended path now continuing pass the Stepped Structure actually must abut the stream, as with the new portion going west on the north side.
Had not "Park Planners" made these "improvements" in the last few decades, we would have a more natural environment today. Our current "Planners" continue wanting to shove more and more into our parks. Although the additional paths in the Parkway allow the users double the length for exercise, we have compromised the stream banks. Currently we are on the verge of building a new loop within the existing loop in a small area of Cedar Creek, between the Creek and Honochick Drive. I can determine no rational reason for this redundancy. The Park Director claims it will contain different exercise stations than the existing outer loop. Here's an idea, why not just add the new gimmicks to the old path?
nice job Michael. i don't get why they are always calling you the misinformation guy. seems like good, straight talkin information to me. what we old navy types used to call good dope.
ReplyDeleteThe Park Director claims it will contain different exercise stations than the existing outer loop. Here's an idea, why not just add the new gimmicks to the old path?
ReplyDeleteDaily Lehigh Parkway visitors will attest to the fact these exercise stations are hardly ever used but to put more in Lehigh Parkway is not the answer! The park has enough eyesores. Leave it alone.
Where were Friends of the Parks when Boyle Park playground burned two weeks ago? Where was Weitzel?
ReplyDeleteWhere were video cameras? $60,000 damage.
anon 6:44, i should have been more clear. although the post starts out about the history of the paths in lehigh parkway, the new loop and new exercise stations will be at cedar creek park, across the creek from the rose gardens. although a loop already exists, they're justifying an additional loop to add stations for older adults. i contend it's real purpose is to provide a western midway for mayfair, sportsfest and other special events. in addition to the loop inside the loop, there will be a new path across the very top of the park, and connecting paths between all the paths. in essence, the western side of the park will no longer have any open space.
ReplyDeletethe new loop and new exercise stations will be at cedar creek park, across the creek from the rose gardens.
ReplyDeleteOh, that does make a big difference. Thank you. Just ignore our comment then.
anon 7:57, your comment of 6:44 was both on target and appreciated. i agree that those "stations" are nothing but expensive toys that either rust or rot away and detract from the parks naturalness
ReplyDeletethose so called exercize stations are REALLY stupid. everyone who walks in the park regularly knows they are almost never used. another recreation gimmick. the smallest mirror pond now looks like it's on a mineature highway medium, sandwitched between two strips of macadam. what is going on right next to the coverred bridge? a new trail of some sort. will that have blacktop too? anybody know? was the public involved in this? this so called "public trails process" is a real joke.
ReplyDeleteDear Sad,
ReplyDeleteWe think...that straw and grass you speak of is the repairing of the tire damage done by a huge construction boom that was brought in to paint the undercoating of I/78 over the last months. the re-seeding
was just done (and we think done quite well) by the hard-working and understaffed watershed crew.
"the new loop and new exercise stations will be at cedar creek park, across the creek from the rose gardens."
ReplyDeleteand just who is going to maintain these with a huge park staff reduction?