Post by rmack on Mar 10, 2010 20:43:40 GMT -5
We all have our opinions about what this park should be like. At the past meetings I believe the consensus was for either a farm theme or passive park. Those who live off Mintwood Dr. had a dislike for an active park and I, being in this camp, agree. 
One thing we all need to consider is the environmental impact the park will have and how we are restricted in developing the park. I doubt if very many ball fields can be placed on the property without affecting the drainage and creeks in the area. It is not exactly a flat property to begin with.
Second consider the development and operational cost of the park. The farm theme may have considerable operational cost. (Who will take care of the farm / animals, etc?). Then there is the liability issues in running a farm park...like when the out-of-control child climbs over a fence with cows or falls off a farm implement. Just recently I saw one of the existing cows in the pasture have trouble giving birth. It looked like the calf never made it. Farmers can't be around 24/7 watching everything. The county does not have money to pay for full time staff to maintain a park in Mint Hill in this economy. We will be lucky to just have a park.
I suggest we push for a passive park with nature trails. If a few unlit soccer fields can be fit it close to hwy51, then great. BUT the entrance should not rely on Mintwood or Well road as neither is wide enough or has lights. I would rather spend the funds on landscaping. Lets keep it simple. I know fancier parks have been developed by the county elsewhere, but lets not have the entitlement mentality that we deserve it.....besides who really pays for it, us.
One thing we all need to consider is the environmental impact the park will have and how we are restricted in developing the park. I doubt if very many ball fields can be placed on the property without affecting the drainage and creeks in the area. It is not exactly a flat property to begin with.
Second consider the development and operational cost of the park. The farm theme may have considerable operational cost. (Who will take care of the farm / animals, etc?). Then there is the liability issues in running a farm park...like when the out-of-control child climbs over a fence with cows or falls off a farm implement. Just recently I saw one of the existing cows in the pasture have trouble giving birth. It looked like the calf never made it. Farmers can't be around 24/7 watching everything. The county does not have money to pay for full time staff to maintain a park in Mint Hill in this economy. We will be lucky to just have a park.
I suggest we push for a passive park with nature trails. If a few unlit soccer fields can be fit it close to hwy51, then great. BUT the entrance should not rely on Mintwood or Well road as neither is wide enough or has lights. I would rather spend the funds on landscaping. Lets keep it simple. I know fancier parks have been developed by the county elsewhere, but lets not have the entitlement mentality that we deserve it.....besides who really pays for it, us.