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31► <br /> No lighting needed <br /> It seems that some people just can't look at <br /> a grassy field or a dirt path without deciding • <br /> that it should be "developed " —i.e., paved, <br /> plumbed and wired. <br /> 1 wonder how many residents of the neigh- <br /> borhoods surrounding Amazon Park are aware <br /> of the fact that a group of yuppies is planning <br /> just such a development of the Adidas running <br /> trail adjacent to the park? The proposal I saw <br /> (about two years ago) involves the installation <br /> of 96(!) street lights, construction of public <br /> restrooms and creation of a paved parking ar- <br /> ea on the south end of the track. Recent notices <br /> posted near the track indicate that this propos- <br /> al is going ahead to the planning and funding <br /> stages. <br /> This proposal is ill conceived, would be en- <br /> vironmentally and aesthetically invasive and is <br /> totally unnecessary. Existing track facilities <br /> are well suited to the surrounding neighbor- <br /> hoods, and parking and restroom facilities at <br /> adjoining Amazon Park are less than a five - <br /> minute walk from the track. Does anyone real- <br /> ly want another bank of street lights outside <br /> the bedroom window? <br /> People who feel they simply must run at <br /> night can carry a flashlight or run on the <br /> streets, which already have lighting; we should <br /> be looking for ways to use less electricity, not <br /> more. And some of us prefer the rustic, unde- <br /> veloped state of the present trail facilities. <br /> Those opposed to this project need to speak <br /> out now, before it's too late. <br /> HIAWATHA <br /> Eugene <br /> • <br /> • <br /> • <br />