Today at lunch I read this story in the Globe about a new round of litigation that the Ruby Jack Trail is up against. Stuff like this frustrates me to no end.
Basically the story is that the Joplin Trails Coalition is developing a 16 mile rails to trails project from Carthage to the KS state line and pretty much everyone along the way is trying to keep it from happening. Initially the plan was to extend all the way to somewhere in KS, but Cherokee County was so opposed to the forward thinking idea of fitness and recreation they passed a law that made it cost prohibitive and eventually the coalition gave up on the idea of having a trail in KS.
I was told by a member of the coalition that farmers will routinely dump old machinery or bales of hay to obstruct the trail, and surprisingly, one of the biggest opponents of the project was the Carl Junction school system. The trail is supposed to pass near the high school and they are paranoid about the “transients” that might hang out on the trail. I have biked and hiked on lots of trials and don’t recall ever being mugged or offered drugs. And heaven forbid the school system actually encourage students to get out and USE THE TRAIL.
The main argument for this most recent lawsuit is that the trail will degrade neighboring property values. I seen many small towns enhanced by these types of trails, but I don’t recall seeing any that were turned ghetto because of one. I just do not understand why someone feels that having a bike trail across the street degrades their property, but a half-rusted storage facility or a bank operating out of a trailer-house does not. To me this thought process defies all logic….but what do I know.
When I think of all the completely wrong things that happen today simply because people don’t care, it makes me loose all hope that the one thing around here capable of angering people enough to organize a class action lawsuit is a RECREATION TRAIL.
I agree with you Ryan, Joplin needs something. I run a lot and bike a lot and have to do it on roads with no shoulders. I’m always in awe when i go to cities and see the parks system they have that INCLUDES walking trails and bike trails around all over the place. They definately need to do something for the good for once.
Bella Vista has some really nice walking/biking trails. It’ seen as a modern trend to make nice places, and the modern, wealthy people like having access. Joplin just blows. I’d like to move to Austin or somewhere that actually cares about itself and takes a little pride in itself.
To be fair, few cities the size of Joplin are probably much different unless they are home to a major university or on the coast or have some other unique way to attract well educated young people.
At least there are people working to make the trail in the first place. Even if they are facing resistance from the narrow minded.
Wow, that is silly. The bike trails in Springfield are always populated with people who are out to exercise, not transients. They’re also very clean (no trash, etc). In fact, some neighborhoods take it upon themselves to make their sections of the trail extra nice.