This is Floyd Wynne with THE VIEW FROM HERE (8-17-04)

What’s the problem?

I’m talking about the plan to extend a trail around Lake Ewauna and possibly expand Veterans Memorial Park.

It seems the members of the City Council have gotten their dander up about some issues that the owner of the property wants to ensure before agreeing to the proposal.

We’re not privy to the discussions that have been going on between the Council and the Shaw family....owners of the former Modoc Lumber Company, and still the owners of the land on which it was located.

Most of the land borders on Lake Ewauna.

Apparently the city has in mind purchasing land enough around the Lake to put together some sort of a walking or bike tour area.

Reading from the news account....they apparently have secured funds from the County as well as Jeld-Wen to purchase the necessary easements connected with such a trail. The sum of $500,000 is pretty sizeable, but then the land adjacent to the lake is valuable.

` It appears that all the current owners of the land want is to make certain that any such paths are done properly and not just cobbled together.

After all, in all fairness, they do have a lot of land to be developed at some future time into what could be as great drawing card for more business downtown.

So, it’s quite understandable that they should be in a position to oversee what kind of trails are developed and that all safety factors are taken into consideration.

After all, since the trails would run through their adjacent property, they do have an insurance risk because people do not always observe the trails themselves.

Obviously such trails should be properly fenced and should be asphalted. They should also blend into the atmosphere which the owners of the land want to create.

So...what’s the problem?

It seems to me that it’s time to put egos on the shelf and get down to the facts of putting the project together in a manner that satisfies all concerned.

A joint conference of the representative of the land owners, a designated member of the City Council...and perhaps a County Commissioner would make a good committee to meet and iron out any difficulties that might be hindering the project.

It sounds like the kind of project that is badly needed, particularly an expansion of Veterans Memorial Park, and every effort should be made to come to terms to make the project viable.

Why do we always fight among ourselves even when good projects come down the pike.

Let’s quite complaining and get the job done...that’s what we elect a City Council for.

This is Floyd Wynne and t hat’s THE VIEW FROM HERE.