BY GEORGIA STRICKFADEN
Los Alamos

In response to the news release from the County about the community meeting for public input into the rehabilitation plan for Los Alamos Mesa Trail: It is good gesture to give the public opportunity to learn about how the County is updating all county parks and trails for ADA requirements.

However, this meeting, like many of the previous meetings concerning outdoor spaces is to be held inside at Fuller Lodge, remote from the trail under consideration. The weather in Los Alamos is almost never too bad to be outside.

Public meetings about parks should be held actually at the park or trailhead, on the ground, where the changes will take place. I believe there would be much greater useful participation by the neighborhood folk if they are directly informed and that the meeting is at “their” park. Planners can then get immediate feedback from the neighborhoods. Fewer of those who will be most affected by their park changes will go to Fuller Lodge, the Golf Club building, or some off-site place.

It is good that all Los Alamos citizens young and old be informed of what is happening in our public areas and that all interested can show up and have a say, however, there needs to be special effort to inform the immediate neighborhoods and that the public meetings about parks and open spaces be held at the parks or trailheads, without exception.