We are against the city's proposed plan to construct a pedestrian pathway linking Curtis Road from west (at Fairfield) to the east (Merriman) and throughout the park. The plan of the path is to be a 8ft wide non-motorized transportation path constructed out of crushed limestone. For the path to be made additional clearing on each sides will be needed making it 12ft wide.
- Loss of habitat
- Disrupt tranquility, Nature should be cherished, Rotary Park is our gem
- There would be more trash (the neighbors clean, not Livonia)
- Non-Motorized and Motorized vehicles would not be monitored
- Time of park closure would not be monitored
- Constant Upkeep
- Injure dog paws
- Create havoc for hikers with dogs, as bikes passing will startle both dogs and owners
- Upset neighbors (due to parking on lawns, walking through backyards, etc.)
- Giving precedent to making a paved road
- Once you ruin something, it's ruined forever
Why is this important?
Rotary Park is considered a "Nature Reserve". By definition a "Nature Reserve" is a tract of land managed so as to preserve its flora, fauna, and physical features.
People come to walk through the woods to enjoy nature, escape the city, walk their dogs, take photos, hike with family and friends, explore, etc. It is Livonia's GEM.
People don't come here to walk on gravel. They want to walk through the leaves in the Fall, the muck in the Spring with their nice rain-boots on to see the Robins and the wildflowers blooming. Those small moments make up the human experience, and they aren't so small once you think about it.
Livonia Parks and Rec. should focus on what the actual problems are before trying to add more.
Once you ruin something, you can never take it back. It is ruined forever.
Next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting is March 1st 2023, at 7:00pm at the Community Center Conference Room at the Kirksey Recreation Center.
