To the editor:

 

I was very excited to learn of the public park proposed for Eagle Lake. I grew up in Michigan and learned to swim and fish thanks to public parks that make our natural resources available to all of our citizens.

Eagle Lake and the other lakes for which public access will be improved should be accessible to all, not just the private playground of the few. As President Franklin Roosevelt said, “There is nothing so American as our national parks…The fundamental idea behind the parks is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment the lives of all of us.”

Since the funding and this one-of-a-kind site are available, it would be a shame to let this opportunity pass to create a beautiful park for future generations.

The arguments concerning too much boat traffic are purely selfish in nature. The lake regularly supports extra boat traffic in fishing tournaments, sailboat races, etc. without incident.

I urge fellow citizens to share their support with the Ontwa Township Planning Commission and the members of that board to represents all the citizens of our community by voting to support the proposed public access.

 

Leigh Goyings

Edwardsburg