Just a reminder that the Lakefront Development Study for the community is tonight at the Scovill Banquet Center (I hope that’s what it’s called) at Scovill Golf Course.   Tonight’s meeting will have the first drawings of proposed ideas for the development.  It’s from 6-8.  I’ll be going, dragging my kids with me!

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Okay, back from the meeting.  I was really impressed with many of the ideas and wasn’t repulsed to the point of convulsions by any of the suggestions, so that’s a start.    There were three “themed” plans.  I liked elements of each plan but was most impressed with the “adventure” theme.  This had an indoor/outdoor waterpark, white water rapids, which would follow the same ravines as the park now, and a tall climbing wall. This theme probably had the least amount of residential development proposed.  Residential development anywhere in Nelson Park is probably going to be the toughest sell to the community, though there were some suggestions that I could live with.  None of them involved sub-divisions or a massive amount of residential development.

Probably the most substantial plan for residential development were the twin 8-10 story apartment buildings, which would be located not far from the sail boat club.  There was also a proposal of getting rid of the current mini-golf area, knocking down that hill and construction small residential dwellings.  I think of all the plans, that one went over like a lead balloon with me.  I’d really prefer the center of Nelson Park to remain something everyone can enjoy.

Of course, a bike trail going around the entire basin is popular with pretty much everyone.  I was really intrigued by the idea of floating boardwalks.  Two of them would be constructed – one near the 36 bridge and the other by Lost Bridge Road.  This would be much more affordable than building a pedestrian bridge across the entire basin.  A portion of both boardwalks would be a raised bridge for boats to pass under.  I really think the boardwalks, in all of the proposals, are going to be the major attraction, for anything we do down there.  They really make what Decatur is trying to do unique.

Another idea I really liked and could be done this year, if we wanted is planting native plants and flowers in the Chandler Park area.  Currently this area isn’t used by anyone, except some squirrels.  It sits directly across from St. Mary’s Hospital.  A big benefit would be a cost savings from not having to mow this area any longer.  Trails could wind through the park and the native plants would attract birds and butterflies.

There’s many more ideas I haven’t even discussed!

Of course, pictures tell more than a thousand words, so I’ll just let you take a look at the plans yourself:  (Click on the photos for a larger view.)

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We’re back!  After a Winter hiatus, the Ravina/Home Park Neighborhood Association will be having our first meeting of the year tomorrow, Thursday, March 25th at 7:00pm.  The meeting will be held at Oak Grove Church of the Nazarene, which is located on the corner of Summit Ave and Garfield Ave.  From Ravina Park, turn south on Summit.  Drive a few blocks and you’ll see the church on the left hand side.

We’ll be discussing a Movie in the Park event for this Summer for our neighborhood.  In a previous meeting, a park district representative suggested setting up a movie screen at one of our neighborhood parks and showing a movie.  We’ve contacted them and they’ve responded that they would help us get the event going.  It should be a fun neighborhood event.

If you live in either the Ravina Park or Home Park neighborhood come and help us plan the event!  As always, if you have other neighborhood concerns, those can be brought up as well.  Help pass the information along if you live in the neighborhood or know someone who does.  Hope to see you there!

More info:  www.ravinahomepark.org or visit our Facebook page.

As I watched the vendors tear down their displays after the Home, Lawn and Garden Show in Decatur, I was truly moved by their dedication.  It’s not easy owning a business.  It’s not easy selling a product.  Rejection bites.  The unknown is unsettling.  Will your hard work be rewarded in the end or will you just have to accept a loss and move on the best you can afterwards?  It’s tough but there’s a comradery amongst entrepreneurs – even if they may be competitors.

We wave at each  other and provide some moral support with our smiles and laughs as we pack up, eager to go back to our homes.  We ride high on the victories and wallow low in the failures.  We muddle through the tough times and relish the good times.   But as the bathtub displays were rolled onto the trailers, the lawn mowers driven out, the landscaping blocks disassembled,  I thought to myself, “Sweet Capitalism.”  With all its risk and rewards, it’s what built this country and thank God for those willing to put it all on the line.