Open Spaces Equals Recreation Places

In the past few weeks a few opinion pieces have been written by open space advocates admonishing the creation of local parks, particularly the newly completed Camarda Park in the Town of Carmel. As an avid supporter of recreation, I am left confused as to the intention of these so-called advocates.

The mainstay of opposition for Camarda Park did not come from local residents, as some writers would have you believe. The local residents wanted a park, and in fact were promised a park when they purchased their homes. The main resistance for Camarda came from small dissenting groups, such as the Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space. Why they so vehemently opposed this particular park and not other recent additions, such as Voltz Park, Red Mills Park, and Chamber Park, remains a mystery.

After all, are parks not considered open spaces? The USDA Forest Service, which has created a national strategy for the conservation of open spaces, defines open space as “land that is valued for natural processes and wildlife, agricultural and forest production, aesthetic beauty, active and passive recreation, and other public benefits.” The Forest Service also explains that “unmanaged recreation” is a threat to forest ecosystems. So not only are active and passive recreation sites open spaces in themselves, but also help maintain the health of the environment. By providing an open space for managed recreation in Carmel, Camarda serves to protect the environment and preserve natural open spaces for future generations.

The groups that opposed Camarda Park made accusations about traffic patterns, blasting rock, wetlands, and project costs—none of which turned out to be true. Thankfully, through the hard work and dedication of several members of the community, Camarda Park was built with little impact on the environment. No swamps were moved and no blasting was needed. And, thanks to a generous grant from NY State Senator Liebell and the Carmel Highway Department, the few issues on local roads were solved, thus eliminating potential traffic problems.

In ten years, some aspects of the original park design have changed. However, the park that has been built is essentially the same park that was initially proposed. Two baseball fields, a multipurpose field, basketball courts, a playground, picnic shelter, service building with a meeting room, concession stands and bathrooms, bocce and volleyball courts are either in place or planned in the park. Camarda Park is a first-rate recreational facility that the citizens of Carmel will enjoy for many years to come.

Some members of opposition groups are seeking to take credit for the current shape of the park, but this is misinformation that borders on being deceitful. The goal of the groups who opposed Camarda Park was to ensure it would not be built at all.

When residents have concerns about the direction of their community and are willing to work actively to find mutually acceptable alternatives, everyone benefits. Similarly, when plans are blocked by a party refusing to present alternatives, the entire community suffers. Budgets expand, timelines are drawn out, and frustrations and tension increase. This is the situation in which the community of Carmel has found itself with groups such as the Coalition to Preserve Open Space.

For a healthy community, it is important to have spirited, well-rounded debate about the future of our town. I look forward to working with all members of our community to decide what future projects will benefit the residents of Carmel. The current reality is that Camarda Park is essentially a completed project; regardless of opposing opinions about it, the park exists. Those writing in opposition to the park are not helping their community; they are simply sowing the seeds of dissent and anger that undermine the values that make Carmel an outstanding place to live. I hope that, for the sake of everyone involved and for benefit of the greater community, we can put past grievances aside and work together for the betterment of all of Carmel.

Mr. Furfaro is president of the Mahopac Sports Association, member Carmel Recreation Advisory Committee