The nature of a park

John Connors (Nov. 29 Point of View article "Bending toward our river") is not alone in his dismay about the proposed master plan for Neuse River Horseshoe Farm Park. More than 150 like-minded citizens participated in the public hearing at Durant Middle School, Nov.16. Not one of two dozen speakers favored the master plan as proposed.

The disparity between the plan and what the public wants is clear evidence of a faulty, mismanaged planning process. The result compromises the tranquil beauty of the unique "horseshoe bend" because athletic facilities and a dog park are included that have no connection to the river's ecosystem. Why not locate the proposed recreation building in one of the shopping centers along U.S. 401 so users can patronize the restaurants and athletic stores and share the parking, instead of adding asphalt to a pristine site on our beloved river?

Surveys commissioned by the city to assess recreation preferences for the Pullen Park master plan (which I chaired in 2001) showed that Raleigh residents desire parkland with high natural resource value, walking and nature appreciation far above organized sports.

Hopefully, the new "environmental" City Council will reject the current master plan in favor of one that fully recognizes Horseshoe Farm Park as an important natural and cultural legacy for future generations.

Robin C. Moore

Raleigh

(The writer is a professor of landscape architecture at N.C. State University.)