Arkansas City will not be the focus now, but we can still talk about the town. For now the blog is a blog in search of an identity. Considering what the new niche will be.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Posting comments on the poll - rivers
There is no place for comments on the poll gizmo that allows me to do polls. So, put your comments on the poll here. Question is, Should the city place a higher priority on utilizing our rivers?
It is a good idea. But right now with the economy so bad, if they don't have the money, then lets wait awhile. It should have been done a long time ago.
The city should ABSOLUTELY make developing our rivers a high priority. We have a great natural resource that is being squandered. Imagine a canoe and kayak rental place at the south bridge that would take you up river to Chestnut bridge, or even farther, and let you canoe back to where you started. There are several businesses like that in Missouri and Arkansas. Granted, their rivers are much cleaner, but it would be a good attraction. Some nice parks with river access to fish would be nice. Take Winfield's circle park for example. It is a great place to hang out.
This town has many needs for the infrastructure alone and while the rivers offer a great opportunity, I feel that their improvements may need to be done by fundraising, grant applications,etc. A massive city supported and tax funded effort may not be possible right now but I do believe some baby steps should be taken and alternate funding sources, county, state, etc. should be looked at.
the cost is soft, it just means unlocking some gates and giveing up the idea that major dollars need to be spent, the access is there already, it just means taking the government control away aND WATCH IT GROW...
The police chief has the whole town convinced that these areas are prime fo underage drinking and rape, but if you watch the police records, these things happen reguardless of river access.
Do we really want to be so afraid of our own fears that we boxs ourselves into a corner and not take advantag of the gifts god has gave us
the main oposition to river access is the Police Chief wanting absolute control. giveing access on the Arkansas River, which is a federal river would limit this, that is why the entire access from the city is closed with locks and chains
The city does not need to spend a lot. I agree that private funding could be used. What the city can do, is make it easier for those that would be willing to do the work.
It could be that the city is trying to avoid lawsuits. The pollution from the old city dump just north of Chestnut beside the Arkansas River could make swimming and fishing hazerdous to one's health. Several years ago I caught a several pound catfish below there and it was all discolored and nasty looking....reminded me of the salmon when they are spawning....rotting away while still alive. Needless to say, I haven't fished there since then. I'd be willing to volunteer my time and work to make river access a reality and I'm sure there are several others who feel the same way.
It will just take one case of bacteria-related illness or tetanus to turn people 30-45 miles in nearly any direction for safe outdoor recreation.
Not to mention the twicw yearly cleanup of the inevitable flooding.
Pump effort and money elsewhere. Like a charismatic City Mgr with vision and leadership qualities, for starters. When a smart one is brought in, he quickly sees how things are, and is gone. Someone needs to unite this town and create a positive atmosphere before anything will work.
It is a good idea. But right now with the economy so bad, if they don't have the money, then lets wait awhile. It should have been done a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteThe city should ABSOLUTELY make developing our rivers a high priority. We have a great natural resource that is being squandered. Imagine a canoe and kayak rental place at the south bridge that would take you up river to Chestnut bridge, or even farther, and let you canoe back to where you started. There are several businesses like that in Missouri and Arkansas. Granted, their rivers are much cleaner, but it would be a good attraction. Some nice parks with river access to fish would be nice. Take Winfield's circle park for example. It is a great place to hang out.
ReplyDeleteThis town has many needs for the infrastructure alone and while the rivers offer a great opportunity, I feel that their improvements may need to be done by fundraising, grant applications,etc. A massive city supported and tax funded effort may not be possible right now but I do believe some baby steps should be taken and alternate funding sources, county, state, etc. should be looked at.
ReplyDeletethe cost is soft, it just means unlocking some gates and giveing up the idea that major dollars need to be spent, the access is there already, it just means taking the government control away aND WATCH IT GROW...
ReplyDeleteThe police chief has the whole town convinced that these areas are prime fo underage drinking and rape, but if you watch the police records, these things happen reguardless of river access.
Do we really want to be so afraid of our own fears that we boxs ourselves into a corner and not take advantag of the gifts god has gave us
the main oposition to river access is the Police Chief wanting absolute control. giveing access on the Arkansas River, which is a federal river would limit this, that is why the entire access from the city is closed with locks and chains
Yes, River access needs to be granted with drive up parking for us older people who cannot walk over 100 yards
ReplyDeleteThe city does not need to spend a lot. I agree that private funding could be used. What the city can do, is make it easier for those that would be willing to do the work.
ReplyDeleteIt could be that the city is trying to avoid lawsuits. The pollution from the old city dump just north of Chestnut beside the Arkansas River could make swimming and fishing hazerdous to one's health. Several years ago I caught a several pound catfish below there and it was all discolored and nasty looking....reminded me of the salmon when they are spawning....rotting away while still alive. Needless to say, I haven't fished there since then. I'd be willing to volunteer my time and work to make river access a reality and I'm sure there are several others who feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI agree 8:02
ReplyDeleteIt will just take one case of bacteria-related illness or tetanus to turn people 30-45 miles in nearly any direction for safe outdoor recreation.
Not to mention the twicw yearly cleanup of the inevitable flooding.
Pump effort and money elsewhere. Like a charismatic City Mgr with vision and leadership qualities, for starters. When a smart one is brought in, he quickly sees how things are, and is gone. Someone needs to unite this town and create a positive atmosphere before anything will work.