Golf Course Plan Bad for Public

* A travesty of Orange County recreational resources is about to be committed by the Board of Supervisors against our seniors and youngsters.

The supervisors are poised to sign the death warrant of the last remaining major multiuse recreational open space area in the county. The 150-plus-acre public airfield at Mile Square Regional Park is about to become a cash cow for private enterprise at the expense of park users and taxpayers.

In light of the recent tragic events in our nation’s schools, it would seem a wise move for our county leaders to provide a place where our young people can go, at no cost, to expend their energy in a positive way.

It would also seem like a wise move on the part of our county leaders to seek grants or corporate sponsors to help fund, let’s say, a regional BMX course, skateboard park or go-cart track in a county park that would not have a negative impact on the environment.

The Mile Square Regional Park hobby area could have been that park. Not every youngster wants to or can play football, baseball or soccer. There have to be alternative outlets. The Mile Square hobby area can and should provide those outlets.

A third golf course at Mile Square park cannot.

Kids and adults need a vacant lot to play in. When we throw grandfather and grandmother out with the dishwater when the hobby area closes, what will they do? Where can they go to continue their independent leisure activity at an affordable cost?

The downward trend in Orange County seems to be the selling off of public parklands for phantom promises of more revenue to fund non-park projects.

As a 25-year resource manager, I find this trend appalling and shameful, and not in the best interests of the people of Orange County.

RICHARD HUFFNAGLE

Supervising park ranger

Mile Square Regional Park