Whats wrong with California State Parks
In todays Los Angeles Times there was a column regarding the results of a study of what is wrong with the CA St. Pks. The gist of the study is that there are no facilities for the young family and th...
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Red/blue politics aside, I wonder if it comes from an attitude that comes from urban areas. I see a similar attitude from some of the 20-somethings here in Austin, where if a park doesn't have a soccer field, basketball court, softball court, a half-pipe for the skateboarders, then it isn't worth having. This issue is also compounded by the "cars are for old people" attitude I occasionally see, so those people just have no realistic method of getting anywhere outside a city core.
My idea for state parks is that they should be maintained. Even though not everyone uses them, they are a must for everyone, just like people pay for public schools and roads. The alternative (leasing the park out to private companies) won't benefit the state or the park users.
I would agree with wintersun about one thing. City parks are at best an afterthought in newer cities. Here in Austin, there are a few decent city parks with amenities (Zilker Park and Pease Park). However, they are completely inaccessible to people unless they spend money on a taxi or are lucky to own a half-million dollar house within walking distance. Newer developments have nothing in the way of parks unless one hops in the car and drives. Contrast that to Houston or San Antonio where they have incredible parks... and people can just drive in, find a parking place, do whatever without having to make it a complete day plan.
My idea for state parks is that they should be maintained. Even though not everyone uses them, they are a must for everyone, just like people pay for public schools and roads. The alternative (leasing the park out to private companies) won't benefit the state or the park users.
I would agree with wintersun about one thing. City parks are at best an afterthought in newer cities. Here in Austin, there are a few decent city parks with amenities (Zilker Park and Pease Park). However, they are completely inaccessible to people unless they spend money on a taxi or are lucky to own a half-million dollar house within walking distance. Newer developments have nothing in the way of parks unless one hops in the car and drives. Contrast that to Houston or San Antonio where they have incredible parks... and people can just drive in, find a parking place, do whatever without having to make it a complete day plan.
