Sports have their place, but not on a spot such as this

RALEIGH -- The disagreement about Horseshoe Farm Park's development seems to focus on an "active" versus "passive" mentality. As an adult who plays tennis and other sports, with children who regularly participate in "active" recreation, I believe that this issue is being over-simplified by these ambiguous terms. All types of recreation can be provided in our city, each in its ideal location, without dividing the community into "active" versus "passive" camps.

I have been to Horseshoe Farm many times and fully understand why there is controversy. On the surface, it looks like large open fields that are prime for development of "active" recreation amenities.

Other than the sweeping rural vistas and compelling landscape, one doesn't immediately see that the Neuse River surrounds the site, that wildlife is abundant there or that the site is likely home to significant archeological remains. Looking closer, especially with the help of a naturalist or environmental educator, one begins to appreciate all that lies beneath. The wetlands are brimming with wildlife. Foxes are raising families in the fields. Wild turkeys are mating and their young poults are learning to catch grasshoppers in the grass.

This is an experience that is not available just anywhere. It's a special, precious thing to be treasured and protected in our fast-developing city and county.

When I go there with family or friends, we all hike and run and play in a very active way. I watch the minds of my daughters open up and become curious about what they see. They become free in a way that I have not seen them be elsewhere. I feel the hand of God sweeping over the sky when Great Blue Herons fly over. The stress of busy, modern life fades away. It is not a "passive" experience at all. We come home happy, tired and inspired. That is the beauty of Horseshoe Farm.

I can go to many other parks in Raleigh where I can fulfill my family's interests in typical "active" recreation -- sports or athletics of some kind. But on those days when we want to feel our souls filled with something special, something truly unique, we pack everybody up in the car and head northeast and to the Shoe. The drive is worth it. I have lived in Raleigh for more than 20 years, and I don't know of another place locally that can do for the spirit what Horseshoe Farm can.

I fully appreciate the need for sports facilities of all kinds. I was an athlete as a young person, just as my children are now. But developing high-intensity active recreation at the Horseshoe would be a travesty. When people go somewhere to play sports, they need the field or facility itself, preferably with easy access to transportation and neighborhoods. The larger environment doesn't matter as much. The Horseshoe, with its limited access and sensitive environment, is simply not the place for these things.

(Jamie Ramsey is the founder and former executive director of People for Parks, a nonprofit organization in Wake County.)