Ronan City Council adopts park master plan
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RONAN – After more than two years’ tedious work developing the Ronan Parks Master Plan and multiple failed attempts to have it approved, the Ronan Parks Board finally saw success March 26 when the Ronan City Council unanimously approved the plan. Despite additional seats to accommodate the larger-than-normal crowd, it was a packed house with concerned community members and members of the park board anxiously awaiting the council’s decision.
The plan was shut down at the March 12 meeting, after a letter addressed to Mayor Kim Aipperspach from John Swenson was received March 6. Swenson’s letter stated that Playcore, a company referenced in the master plan, has partnered with Pathways for Play and Robin C. Moore, a proponent of Agenda 21.
“We struck Playcore out of the master plan so it won’t disgruntle anyone,” parks director Jennifer Rolfsness said.
One community member commented that the plan shouldn’t strike out any funding, and that if there are strings attached, trustees could vote on it at that time.
“It’s unwise to turn it down,” the man stated.
“Playcore doesn’t offer any money and is never included with any funds,” Rolfsness said. “Gametime manufactures the equipment for Playcore, which is the same equipment at (Ronan) schools. They’re designing play equipment that fits us.”
The plan is an attempt to provide educational, fun exercise pods for community use, according to Rolfsness.
“What bothers me are two things: fear and politics going on,” another community member said.
The woman then mentioned the Highway 93 project, which will border the eastern edge of the park once complete. “Freeways put up barriers; we need to save our green places. Think about the children,” she said.
“We need to say, 'Yes, we want that part,' or 'no,’” Aipperspach noted.
Park board member Doctor Ed Vizcarra, who works with St. Luke’s Community Clinic, gave his insight on Agenda 21. Vizcarra said Agenda 21 was developed by the United Nations in 1992.
“I don’t see how Agenda 21 will work with the Taliban; it’s not a ‘new world order’ thing,” Vizcarra said. “My agenda is: research has shown that (the youngest) generation is not expected to live as long as parents. It’s a real problem.”
Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are becoming all too familiar, he added, stating anything that encourages people to get moving is a preventative healthcare.
“It’s not only about how long you live, but the quality of life,” he noted. “The hospital, chamber, Tribes are all on board; it’s unprecedented for a tiny park in Ronan.”
Vizcarra continued by saying what’s being done in Ronan for the parks could be a positive thing for the entire Valley.
“We buy gas, with (most of the money) going to radicalists,” he added. “NASA had space (missions) with Apollo and Mercury. That doesn’t mean we worship them; we need to subscribe to the agenda of common sense.”
After the lengthy discussion, trustees unanimously approved the motion to approve the park’s master plan as presented, with the understanding that before each project begins, a detailed outline of the project will be approved by the council.
In order to prevent any issues, Aipperspach said the council will need to look at each situation before approving it.
“I’m relieved; it’s time to start to move forward with the planning process,” Rolfsness said. “I’m hoping (the park board) can regain its enthusiasm to begin fundraising for our good project.”
