Let’s agree the location for Atlantic Fields is wrong. Travel to other towns and you will find shopping malls on major roads with multiple access points. Christiana Mall is a perfect example. Many of us would love the type of stores projected, but not here.
It may be way too late for this project – the developer is salivating his profit. New ordinances are in the pipeline. Odds are it will be approved or the land will become another housing development. My dream for that surrounding area is a county park – with ball fields, playgrounds, basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, bandstand for concerts, ponds, walking trails and trees. A centerpiece for the community.
If we could go back in time, how would we plan this area? Many of us came from areas that had parks in their neighborhoods. Most towns and counties have strong parks and recreation departments. Sussex County is the only Delaware county without a parks and recreation department. Yes, we have state parks, but the state parks and recreation group is not focused on Sussex.
I offer as a rationale for parks, information from the National Recreation and Parks Association:
• 88% of adults agree that parks and recreation provide good opportunities to interact with nature and the outdoors
• 66% of adults say they support local government dedicating revenues specifically targeting park and recreation operations.
My neighbors with young children express frustration with the lack of ball fields, nature settings and basic parks in our community. Little League fields are scarce. Forests to explore are disappearing.
Read the book, “Last Child in the Woods,” which describes the nature gap for children today. Our society has lost focus on our children. Electronics have replaced nature. Child obesity is an epidemic. Our governments have placed restrictions on children’s play.
We missed a golden opportunity with properties that are now Welches Pond and Belle Terre. Once largely wooded property fronting Love Creek and containing special natural sites like Hetty Fisher Glade is now a sea of houses. This could have become another James Farm Preserve.
The naysayers shout it is impossible, too expensive. I say we have no choice. No place to play or escape in nature. Invest now in these open spaces and grab a chance for quality of life.
I don’t have the answer on how to make this happen. Obviously we need revenue. It may seem like a lower priority, but I ask, why have we abandoned nature and play? It’s not even in the conversation!
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