Archive: Opinions

On June 3, the Lansing Star published an article entitled "Why Lansing Doesn't Have a Town Center."  The piece gave an overview of the past and current attempts to assess and potentially develop the land across from the town ball fields.  I understand the need for our small town to encourage development, and I support efforts to draw new business and revenue to Lansing. However, that swath of land across from the ball fields is more than an "empty field," and I hope that all residents of Lansing will explore the property for themselves before assuming its value only can be realized by selling it.

The Lansing Pathways Committee has been developing the Lansing Center Trail on this property since 2010 in partnership with the Lansing Parks & Recreation Department, establishing over 3 miles of trails that meander through meadows filled with songbirds and other wildlife.  The trails are grassy and welcoming and are used daily by town residents.  Two spurs that run along historic railroad beds are marked with informational signs.  A new bridge connects one of these spurs to Scoops; this segment of trail is now marked by ice cream markers, and Lansing Loves to Read has posted a Storybook Walk, bringing our youngest community members through a walk in the woods while reading with family and friends.

Most recently, the Lansing cross country team explored the possibility of using the trails as a new home course.  With the support of Lansing Parks & Recreation Department Director Steve Colt and the Lansing Pathways Committee, we invited a local running expert to evaluate the trails as a potential race course and to provide advice on the route.  We since have been able to create a cross country course that will be a fast, spectator-friendly course that can handle practices and dual meets this fall and potentially championships in the future.  The team will be training on the course throughout the summer and hopes that their classmates, families, and the community at large also will explore the trails, enjoying not only the beautiful scenery but also the joys and benefits of being active with friends and neighbors.

Our small town has a great deal of character, and we celebrate the outdoor spaces in which we gather.  Myers Park hosts our summer concert series and countless play dates, barbeques, and celebrations.  Nearly all of us have cheered on friends and family at the town baseball fields, and we've supported our Bobcats on the school playing grounds.  I know that drawing business to our town helps support these very activities and spaces -- but I will also be among the first to point out that there's another important space on which we gather, move together, and strive to be a healthy and fit community.  The Lansing Center Trail is, in its own way, a center around which our town can gather.

Becca Lovenheim
Lansing, NY

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