Our bosque is a treasure but one easily destroyed by good intentions.
» Proposed city development would threaten river park | ABQ Journal by Dave Parsons
Few American cities can boast such a magnificent natural amenity. Many cities have invested millions of dollars to recreate “green belts.†In Albuquerque, all we have to do is protect what we already have.
However, now, following a century of protection, the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Rio Grande Valley State Park is being threatened by the Rio Grande Vision – a bosque development plan promoted by Mayor Richard Berry.
The Rio Grande Vision is a disturbing departure from the purposes set forth by the state’s legislation and the Bosque Action Plan. It starts us down a path of incrementally destroying the natural and ecological integrity of the bosque through ill-defined development.
» Proposed city development would threaten river park | ABQ Journal
I totally agree with the design schematic idea presented. People like me, who have NEVER seen the damn river except from a causeway in a car–or been on a dirt trail, due to lack of access, mobility, or fear for my safety, need this trail. This is not ‘developed’ as in real estate development. (homes) It is an improved trail, wide so people don’t get plowed over by bikers or runners. ‘Crusher fine’ is hardly a great surface for wheelchairs or for slow walkers who need even, flat safe surfaces, and is possibly not legal by ADA. It is a fine rock, supposedly reinforced with some form of goo that hardens it. It sucks to push a wheelchair on. It rarely hardens as it should. It is the ‘rage’ among park people, and does not meet ADA standards.
Wildlife is a great thing to preserve, I too enjoy open space calm and peace. But people ‘like me’ have a hard time accessing nature and we belong too. The hand wringing on this proposal is amazing. Trails and paths and access can be handled in a universally designed approach that is inclusive safe and also, safe for wildlife.