I noticed that only one of the three plans for the `Hidden
Treasure' portion of the Linear Park makes much use of the park area for
flood control, and in that design the natural alternate channel is blocked
by raised earth with two holes excavated east and west. At the drop-in
session I spoke with the designer, and he indicated that the plan is to
CUT DOWN THE EXISING OLD WILLOW TREES ALONG THE CREEK, and recut the banks
to a shallower angle. I think a better alternative would be to leave the
trees and the old channel as is, and allow the flood waters to overflow
down the alternate channel which is broad and shallow and turfed, and
adequately carried several feet of moving water in the winters of 1996 and
1997, as in the past.
I think the park trails can be designed around this nattural
flood basin, and the basin itself used for frisbee throwing, kite flying
etc during the 360 plus days it is not flooded. Please consider this
alternative concept.
I would like to see the final design work with and reflect the
existing qualities of the site more strongly. It would be a pity if in
order to make a "natural" park we had to cut down big willows and move
more dirt than we would have for apartments.
When I spoke with the Linear Park Task Force they told me that the
designers had not made any of them aware that all three alternative
proposals called for cutting down the willows along Paradise Creek.
Committee members said that PCEI had told them that cutting down the creek
banks was essential for proper "restoration." as the banks cannot be
resloped without first removing the willows.
I hope you on the net will discuss this issue. I question whether
we are working with nature if we cut down the willows, cut down the
banks of the creek, and block the natural, grasslined overflow swale and
basin. The one proposal which would use the park site for flood storage
blocks the overflow channel and digs a huge pit where the wild iris now
grow.
Thanks for your thoughts. I'll check in on the comments at he
library in a week or so.
Suvia Judd