AJC survey says: Greener Cobb wanted

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Thursday, June 22, 2006

Greener Cobb wanted: Plan to create more parks proves popular

AJC editor's note: Cobb Opinions received a number of responses to the "What Do You Think?" question published June 8 --- Should Cobb spend $40 million to purchase parkland? We received only one letter against the purchase, but the writer did not sign the letter, so we have not included it. Thank you for taking time to send your comments.

Question: Cobb commissioners want more parks. Commission Chairman Sam Olens says the county could spend $40 million through a bond referendum to buy land without raising property taxes. But he said there must be grass-roots support for him to support a November vote.

It's a touchy issue even though most people seem to think the county needs more parks. Cobb voters rejected a proposed 1 percent special sales tax to buy parkland in 2000 after some supporters of the proposal began squabbling over how to use the land.

At today's land prices, the county could purchase 100-acre plots in north, south and west Cobb, Olens says.

East Cobb has few if any 100-acre plots, but there is a 50-acre plot next to Fullers Park that the county could buy. Olens deflected questions about how the land would be developed, but he said he would be happy if the property remained undeveloped for 25 years. Should the county spend the money?

=================================================

Yes. Cobb County should spend $40 million to buy land for parks. The land should be set aside for undisturbed green space, with limited natural surface trails for running, biking and hiking. I would prefer to see a linear-type park, running parallel to a creek for example. I don't think we need more soccer fields or ballparks. Cobb: Take a look at the City of Roswell's Big Creek bike park and their Greenway.
CHRIS DUSACK, Smyrna

Yes. A biking/hiking trail network would be very beneficial and welcome in the north-west Cobb area.
KRAIG SMITH, Acworth

Yes. The county should spend the money to build parks, but I think they should only do it if it passes a referendum. If the people are willing to spend the money, I think it'd be nice to have some green space to enjoy the outdoors, throw a Frisbee, go fishing, or whatever you can think of to do outside.
PHILIP HOSKINS, Roswell

I am totally on board with a vote in November for more park space.
SHELIA FREY, Marietta

Yes. Cobb should spend the money for more parks because Cobb is already too developed. There is too little green space for the residents.
MICHAEL LEE, Marietta

Use that $40 million to buy more parks. Cobb County is about five to 10 years from totally getting built out, so something needs to be done now to acquire land for passive/active recreational purposes for future generations. Compared with counties of similar size and population in the West and Northeast, Cobb has a very low park-area per capita population ratio. Now is the time to get more land before it no longer exists or becomes too expensive to buy. The current system of county parks was intended to serve a much smaller population (around 300,000 to 400,000). The county has not made any major purchases for years, while the county population is pushing 800,000 residents. Money used to purchase park land will make our community more livable, more desirable and more sustainable for years to come.
BRAD FERMANICH, Marietta