[Source: April Stolarz, College Times, 3-18-2010] — I’m just gonna throw it out there: Because of the economy, a lot of things suck. Yes, that’s a general statement and pretty blunt, but many people have been affected by the economy’s low blows and harsh punches. The latest in the economic whirlwind of crappiness comes full force with the closing of Arizona state parks. Closings have occurred in increments and the last big sweep is set for June 3. After that, nine parks will remain open.
Some of you may be reading this thinking, “why should I care about a state park closing?” Now that’s up to you and your feelings. I’m not going to tell you how to feel about this issue, but I’ll throw in some of my ideas about these jewels of nature. By definition, parks are: an area of land, usually in a largely natural state, for the enjoyment of the public. What will happen to the parks once the public can’t enjoy them anymore? Will the landmarks not be preserved?
Sure, there are tons of places in Arizona to go hiking, observe wildlife, camp and explore, but no land is preserved like the land in a state park. State parks are preserved for a reason. Aside from the hiking and exploring, state parks are places where you can truly learn about Arizona and truly understand what makes the state so special. Yes, I know you can appreciate Arizona by simply looking outside at the towering mountains and the colorful sunsets, but state parks provide a deeper meaning of understanding, a further look into the state’s history, a glimpse into the past.
Nature, flourishing and thriving as it is, provides us with a deeper sense of what our country is, of who we are. It provides a serene realism to the hectic lives we lead. It’s both a comfort and refreshment that we too often take for granted. If the state takes that away from us, who know what’ll possibly come next.
[Source: Roxanne Cary Cheney, Eastern Arizona Courier, 3-17-2010] — I want to commend Diane Saunders for her March 7 article about the potential closure of Roper Lake. However, I need to clarify some of the data. Roper Lake is budgeted for four full-time employees. If Roper Lake closes, it will cost Graham County about $5 million in lost revenue and about 70-80 jobs. That loss cannot be tolerated! Do the legislators and governor hope to make a ghost town out of our fair community?
[Source: Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services, 3-8-2010] — A single legislator is blocking a plan to ask voters to permanently fund the state parks system with a surcharge on vehicle license fees. Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, refuses to schedule a hearing on HCR 2040 in the Appropriations Committee, which he chairs, and will not agree to have the measure withdrawn from his committee. That effectively keeps the plan from going to the full House, where Rep. Russ Jones, R-Yuma, said he has the votes for approval.
[Mohave Daily News, Christine Harvey, Cronkite News Service, 2-16-2010] — With Arizona State Parks facing an uncertain future due to budget cuts, Lake Havasu City is proposing taking over operations of a popular facility there. Unlike some other communities that have partnered to keep state parks open, however, Lake Havasu City wants a long-term lease to operate Lake Havasu State Park, home of the community’s busiest and largest boating ramp.