Minto-Brown not suitable as busy tourist attraction
April 24, 2005

     Regarding a bridge from downtown to Minto-Brown Island, the viewpoint expressed by the Statesman Journal on April 11, "Linking 3 parks would create path to success," represents the same thinking that almost put The Oregon Garden in Minto-Brown -- gift shop, parking lot, classroom and more than 200,000 visitors a year.
     The mayor and City Council at the time were strongly in favor of the project. The parks department did not object, nor did the Statesman Journal. The Oregon Garden proposal was rolling before there was adequate study and reflection. Luckily, large numbers of park users voiced their objection.
     So I wince when the Statesman Journal uses the phrase "path to success" in describing Minto-Brown Island's connection to Riverfront and Wallace Marine parks before the questions of impact have been addressed and without sufficient opportunity for public comment.
     What is our hurry? Minto-Brown Island, wildlife refuge, rustic retreat for thousands living in the Salem area, is here and available now, but it could easily become a memory.