Putting platform by Medina waterfalls may have unintended consequences

Editor:

In regard to the proposed platform overlooking the Medina waterfalls:

Has anyone answered or addressed the possible ramifications brought about by building such a structure? It sounds great on paper, but here are some questions which could either erase or reaffirm my cynical perspective.

How many different people would utilize it, in its intended way? The same fifty people stopping by 50 times a year does not equate to 2,500 users. And the operative words “in its intended way” is meant to exclude – among other things – the inevitable jungle-gym-climbing enthusiasts who will love the challenge.

Who will clean the bottles, cans and garbage that will undoubtedly litter the once semi-pristine, hard-to-access shoreline below? All generated from the irresponsible whim of degenerates whose lack of self-control will find it obligatory to toss anything not tied down, over the rail simply because they think they are getting away with something. Or am I to assume a security guard will be posted on-duty to prevent such delinquency? I doubt it.

Furthermore, who and where will the paint come from to erase the vulgar graffiti which will surely surface on the structure immediately after completion?

Who will protect canoe and kayak adventurers from debris-throwing vandals? And as an actual victim who was once rolled and robbed while walking the canal path one evening, don’t color me as a pessimistic alarmist.

Who will protect the splendor of the Falls’ solitude in all its natural wonder? Do we really want to lose the appeal of traveling Glenwood Lake up to a remote, isolated waterfalls to a trash-filled chasm with a voyeuristic gawkers looking down from overhead?

What’s next after the balcony scenario? Maybe a McDonald’s alongside of it? Those who come up with ideas like this have good intentions but naivete is often the soul-mate of the idealist – and that narrow vision can quickly manifest into a bitter pill when reality sets in. In essence, I’m not afraid of change, I’m afraid of losing something that’s too good to change. Nature seldom gets an upgrade when mankind attempts to improve it.

Here’s an idea: How about simply clearing a tree or two, if possible, so that the Falls can be better seen from the canal-path?! I’m sure it would cost less, but, better yet, it just might save the Medina Falls from becoming another dumping ground with a creek running through it … with a spectator … or two.

Opposing views welcome. And expected.

Tom Valley

Medina