Having read the Troy’s proposal regarding Ooms:
I have some concerns:
- A serpentine boardwalk circling the pond that will allow visitors to access the water safely without disturbing the ecosystem
Sounds like this would completely destroy the gorgeous view of the pond and its inherent natural beauty by surrounding it with a manmade boardwalk.
- Plantings that support wildlife habitat and provide shade for visitors
I’m not sure how wildlife would be attracted to “plantings” that are in close proximity to people.
- Pathways that are welcoming to all regardless of ability and supportive of different levels of stamina
I have wondered in the past regarding how Ooms can be more handicap accessible — given the hilly nature of Ooms and the marshy quality near the parking lot, that seems rather difficult.
- Additional fishing structures and piers that will increase access to the pond
Again, disruptive to the natural beauty of the pond.
- Rock block stepping stones into the water with water level markers showcasing the impact of climate change on our water ecosystems
Again, disruptive to the natural beauty of the pond. Furthermore, I’m not clear how climate change is affecting this ecosystem and how water level markers would actually demonstrate climate change.
- New picnic areas, play equipment for children and families, and rest spaces along the walkways
Play equipment tends to be ugly. Both play equipment and picnic areas are places where people don’t pick up their litter. Not to be overly negative, but historically, playground / picnic area attracts nighttime drug activity. Regarding litter, I almost always take a trash bag with me and pick up the trash I find at the current gazebo at the top of the hill (including the occasional used condom.) I think this demonstrates the issue.
- Educational signage highlighting the site’s special features
Personally, I don’t go to Ooms to read signage. I can read about Ooms on the web. That said, if the signage were limited to the parking lot, rather than being disruptive on the trails, that would be great.
Marc Clifton 