[RP TownTalk] Field of Dreams Update

[Alan K. Thompson]

Bruce,

Thanks for bringing this up -- I (and David Lingua) had assumed that better
nets were available, and we were working to figure out what they were
(though I also suspect that this was discussed in the "day after" meeting
between Town Administrator Imhulse and Public Works Director Addison, and I
have not had a chance to find out what they discussed yet because of an
ongoing "day job" emergency).  I'll pass on to them that they can contact
Paint Branch golf course if they need that information.  I think we can find
the money somewhere in the budget so everyone can get back to our regular
jobs.

Best,

Alan

On Sun, Jul 18, 2010 at 6:08 PM, Bruce Wernek
<bruce.wernek at mindspring.com>wrote:

>  I think it’s pretty apparent that the nets are not going to be taken down
> from time to time.  Rather than devote all of these resource to minding the
> nets, why not change them.  Golf courses uses nets which are designed to
> stop golf balls and not injure birds.  The Paint Branch golf course on
> University Blvd uses this type of net around their driving range.  I walk
> Edgar (dog) just about every Saturday morning along the bike path next to
> the driving range and I have never seen a bird or any other animal tangled
> in the nets.  These nets are ~30 ft high and hundreds of yards long.  Why
> not purchase this type of netting and install it at the Field of Dreams?
> This way the police can spend their time policing, the councilman from Ward
> 2 can spend his time governing, and the residents can spent their time on
> more productive pursuits.  Given the level of effort required to mind the
> nets and possible punitive ordinances, this will be the cheapest solution to
> the problem.
>
>
>
> Paint Branch golf course used to a have similar net surrounding the pond to
> the west of the driving range.  It was removed a little over a year ago.
> This net may have been stored so that it could be used to repair the net
> surrounding the driving range.  This being the case, the folks at Paint
> Branch golf course may not mind donating  a small section to the Town given
> that the net was ~30 ft high by ~100 yards long.  At the very least, Paint
> Branch golf course can provide the Town with contact information for the
> purchase of this type of netting.  I can’t imagine it costing more than a
> few hundred dollars.
>
>
>
> Bruce
>
>
>
> *From:* towntalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org [mailto:
> towntalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org] *On Behalf Of *David Lingua
> *Sent:* Saturday, July 17, 2010 6:04 PM
> *To:* TownTalk
> *Subject:* [RP TownTalk] Field of Dreams Update
>
>
>
> Hello Neighbors,
>      As Mayor Archer is away on vacation, I'd like to share with you the
> steps being taken right now to assure there is not a repeat of what happened
> last Monday morning at the Field of Dreams. I have asked our police
> department for their assistance in making sure the nets are down and the
> field is cleared by dusk (IE 25 minutes after sunset). Officers will also
> remind those using the field of the responsibility to lower the nets when
> they have finished. This request was made fully aware, that while best
> efforts will be made, calls for assistance and emergencies can come at
> anytime and are a priority. Please keep this in mind as we move forward.
>      Thank you to those residents who have assisted with lowering the nets
> when they see the field is not in use as well as those who have offered to
> volunteer to do as much. One of the keys to successful commons management is
> the involvement of the community. It has been, and will continue to be, the
> town's effort to provide open space for the community to enjoy while posing
> minimal risk to residential property and wildlife habitat. This is the
> challenge we, the town, will attend to by pursuing arrangements like we have
> with Ipaltecos Ausentes to help with maintaining the field, and making sure
> those the town issues a use permit to do so responsibly by meeting the
> town's expectations.
>      We're fortunate to have such an intimate open space tucked in a
> metropolitan area that some of god's creatures call home as well.
> Coexistence is possible. Through the efforts of the council, town staff and
> residents it can be sustainable.
> Sincerely,
>
> David J. Lingua
> Acting Mayor
> Councilman Ward 3
> Town of Riverdale Park, MD
>
>
>
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