After The Morning Call prints one of my articles on the parks, as they did yesterday, the phone always rings. Many of the calls are from older people, who always explain that they don't use a computer, or go to meetings, but appreciate what I'm doing. One of calls yesterday was especially gratifying. Anne Laubach Neitz lived on the second floor of the stone park house at Ott and Parkway Blvd. Her father was George J. Laubach, Superintendent of Allentown Parks. He was a hands on guy who worked in the park system his entire career, becoming Director in the 1950's. He took enormous pride when Look Magazine named Allentown one of the best park systems in the United States. Ann couldn't understand what these new paths were for. I explained that the path was being built to accommodate the LifeTrail Wellness Stations, created by Playworld Systems. It upset her, thinking about the pride her father took in the beauty of the park.
The new paths in Cedar Park demonstrate that constructing paths in either a environmentally, or aesthetically sensitive way, are not criterions of this park administration. Five years ago the Trexler Trust found it necessary to take the City to court, to make sure their funds were being properly used. Now, I believe City Council must likewise use it's NO VOTE, to ensure that our Park System is being properly preserved.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteYour editorial was excellent.
Scott Armstrong
The following comment we realize is not on topic, but only slightly, as it deals with an overall parks attitude. You may not wish to post it. That is your choice.
ReplyDeleteLast night in Lehigh Parkway, two riders on Harleys entered the Parkway through the 24th St. Park Drive entrance. They rode past the signs and barricades that clearly read no motor vehicles,
drove onto a pedestrian-only bridge endangering others and exited the main roadway near your childhood home. Last night it was only two. Next time, perhaps 22.
Anon 6:29 -
ReplyDeleteThat was obviously wrong for the motorcylists to do.
However, Don Cunningham and the city leaders who allowed it should be skewered (figuratively) for replacing a motor vehicle bridge with a pedestrian-only bridge.
It was a terrible decision, and needlessly cuts off access to sections of the Lehigh Parkway.
That is particularly ironic, since the city is supposedly adopting the trail plan to improve accessibility to the parks.
Anon. 629, the park is just as accessable as ever, and a lot quieter and safer....... I wonder if you yourself ever go there. It's clear you don't know what you are talking about. No on new trails, take care of what we got.
ReplyDelete