Rehoboth should seize park proposal

It's the diversity and different ideas in communities that make them so rich. In Rehoboth Beach, a group has come forward with an idea and a plan for improving public land at the west end of Lake Gerar. The park would help commemorate a simple and constructive relationship between a city in Italy, Greve-in-Chianti, and Rehoboth Beach. Hands across the water.

Those of Italian lineage see the park as a way of celebrating that heritage - a heritage that includes the cultivation of public outdoor places for people to enjoy.

What's not to like?

It's understandable that some of Rehoboth's leaders want to look carefully at plans for the park to make sure they are sustainable. That makes good sense.

But given the fact that Commissioner Pat Coluzzi and others driving the initiative are funding their proposal without city monies, this analysis shouldn't take long. As longtime Rehoboth Beach businessman and city supporter Nick Caggiano said at a recent meeting, this one is a no-brainer.

Sure, the park will require some regular maintenance - grass mowing and weeding - but the area involved is relatively small. A half-day's worth of work by a couple of employees every other week during the season will suffice to keep the park and its improvements in first-class shape.

Possible voting on the park is expected to be properly noticed to the public for the agenda of the Monday, Nov. 5 commissioners' meeting. The vote should come sooner as opposed to later so the city can seize on this opportunity while enthusiasm is still high.

The Lake Gerar park will make a beautiful resort city even more beautiful for residents and visitors, and give people one more reason to come to a place whose economy depends entirely on tourism.

Rehoboth Beach is fortunate to have another group joining so many others that lean their efforts toward making the city so attractive and welcoming.