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The Rockwall County Commissioners voted Oct. 14 to contract with Verdunity and WRT to develop a county-wide master plan for open space. How important is it to keep open space in mind as more developers come into the area? Why?
Carole Dodd, Rowlett: I think it is very important that developers plan for proper uses for open spaces, keeping the environment in mind — saving tree stands and grasses for our animal friends because there’s too much concrete in today’s society.
Paul Breitzman, Nevada: Open space in neighborhoods is an asset to residents, even more so if the space is truly open. By that I mean is it a place in which kids can run and play their own games, or is it a place that is eventually reserved only for leagues and select teams? Can people walk their dogs, set out a blanket and picnic, or simply park it on a bench and watch the world go by? An open space is most valuable as a place for spontaneous enjoyment of the outdoors. Too many parks instead seem to revolve around reserved, scheduled and organized activity only.
Alan Bull, Rowlett: It is very important to keep open space. We need to continue to monitor to stop overgrowth in particular areas to ensure infrastructure is appropriate and can handle the future plans and growth of Rockwall County.
Joan Ream, Heath: Bravo to the Rockwall County Commissioners for having the insight and vision to develop a county-wide master plan for open space. As more and more developers (together with the people who want to convert or re-zone their land for commercial and/or housing developments) see the monetary opportunities, less and less green spaces will survive. It is absolutely incumbent upon the elected or appointed stewards of our land to see the folly in sacrificing open space for rows upon rows of “roofs.” Short-sightedness equals destruction of natural resources, which equals regret.
Jody Pellerin, Rockwall: We need our open spaces. As Rockwall grows, the need for open space grows with it. And I don’t mean space for sports events or a pool or anything organized. We need open space to wander in, have family gatherings in and for communing with nature.
It’s easy enough to get outside the Rockwall city limits, but open space maintained by the city for the people who live here is needed to offset the concrete jungles we so often surround ourselves with. We are fortunate in that Rockwall retains some of its rural roots. As the city grows though it will need parks, recreational areas and land set aside not just for esthetic interest, but to help maintain the environmental balance. The green of trees and grass is soothing to the soul and providing a place for color to shine forth in spring and summer can nourish the creative muse.
