the ravine (repost from MySpace)
Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2007 2:24 pm
Disclaimer: I am reposting this from MySpace, I didn't talk to anyone..
If you are familiar with The RAVINE, a BMX track built off the Rivergreenway near where Pemberton & Niagra intersect, then you should read on. If not and you live in the Fort Wayne area, you may want to continue reading anyhow.
Recently, I spoke with Cheryl Kronen Krogen, the Superintendent for the City Wastewater Treament facility in Fort Wayne. She said that vandals broke through a city fence and rerouted 20 million gallons of combined sewer overflow back into the Maumee River. In additon, there has been vandalism to generators, considerable graffitti on city property, and gasoline being stored in valve pits (which I learned are combustible areas that shouldn't have anything flammable near them!) She reported this activity to City Police as well as the City Attorney, and her supervisor, Greg Luzaro (sp?). This action has all happened near The Ravine and the city is blaming local BMX'ers and frequenters of the Ravine for the vandalism.
After Cheryl's meetings, it was recommended by City Police and others to bulldoze the area because it was unsafe, unused, and a hazardous area. However, what Cheryl did not realize is that the RAVINE is known world wide, especially throughout the BMX world. In addition, it is a part of Fort Wayne's "undergound" history. Bulldozing this area this seems counteractive for a city that is so vocal about things such as keeping young people active, combatting brain drain, and providing opporunities for physical fitness and outdoor activities.
Cheryl informed me that she just recently learned that the BMX trails were built over 20 years ago on city property, although many city officials were aware of the trails. She feels that the area is in an "unsafe spot where she wouldn't want her children to play" and that the area is too close to sewage and valves where water control is an issue. However, until the last month, no one ever attempted to stop the activity...or suggest something as radical as bulldozing the area to prevent future hazards to "city property."
She informed me that she is now waiting for a recommendation from the City Attorney, but welcomes calls for or against the ravine. I suggested that before any actions were taken, a public meeting be held so that residents could voice their opinions... but my thoughts are better early than late since it sounds like "the powers that be" have their opinions pretty firmly planted already.
If you are interested in voicing your opinion or learning more about the situtaion, contact Cheryl Kronen Krogen, the Superintendent for the City Wastewater Treament facility. Here officce number is 260-427-2409 and her cell is 260-740-1991.
It is your turn to stand up and keep your history and the history of local BMX culture. Be respectful, just let her know the reasons why they should not and cannot do this. Yes, it may very well be built on city property, and perhaps not the ideal place the city would have liked for a BMX trail to be built, but the RAVINE is now a part of our history. At this point, there has been no consideration of moving the trails or embracing the area for the rich history that it holds. It appears evident that something needs to be done before it IS HISTORY.
If you have ever been to the RAVINE, seen it, heard of it, talked about it.... or just care about cool places in town, please call and voice your opinion, write a letter to the editor of the local papers, contact the Parks department, other city officials, police department, etc.
If you are familiar with The RAVINE, a BMX track built off the Rivergreenway near where Pemberton & Niagra intersect, then you should read on. If not and you live in the Fort Wayne area, you may want to continue reading anyhow.
Recently, I spoke with Cheryl Kronen Krogen, the Superintendent for the City Wastewater Treament facility in Fort Wayne. She said that vandals broke through a city fence and rerouted 20 million gallons of combined sewer overflow back into the Maumee River. In additon, there has been vandalism to generators, considerable graffitti on city property, and gasoline being stored in valve pits (which I learned are combustible areas that shouldn't have anything flammable near them!) She reported this activity to City Police as well as the City Attorney, and her supervisor, Greg Luzaro (sp?). This action has all happened near The Ravine and the city is blaming local BMX'ers and frequenters of the Ravine for the vandalism.
After Cheryl's meetings, it was recommended by City Police and others to bulldoze the area because it was unsafe, unused, and a hazardous area. However, what Cheryl did not realize is that the RAVINE is known world wide, especially throughout the BMX world. In addition, it is a part of Fort Wayne's "undergound" history. Bulldozing this area this seems counteractive for a city that is so vocal about things such as keeping young people active, combatting brain drain, and providing opporunities for physical fitness and outdoor activities.
Cheryl informed me that she just recently learned that the BMX trails were built over 20 years ago on city property, although many city officials were aware of the trails. She feels that the area is in an "unsafe spot where she wouldn't want her children to play" and that the area is too close to sewage and valves where water control is an issue. However, until the last month, no one ever attempted to stop the activity...or suggest something as radical as bulldozing the area to prevent future hazards to "city property."
She informed me that she is now waiting for a recommendation from the City Attorney, but welcomes calls for or against the ravine. I suggested that before any actions were taken, a public meeting be held so that residents could voice their opinions... but my thoughts are better early than late since it sounds like "the powers that be" have their opinions pretty firmly planted already.
If you are interested in voicing your opinion or learning more about the situtaion, contact Cheryl Kronen Krogen, the Superintendent for the City Wastewater Treament facility. Here officce number is 260-427-2409 and her cell is 260-740-1991.
It is your turn to stand up and keep your history and the history of local BMX culture. Be respectful, just let her know the reasons why they should not and cannot do this. Yes, it may very well be built on city property, and perhaps not the ideal place the city would have liked for a BMX trail to be built, but the RAVINE is now a part of our history. At this point, there has been no consideration of moving the trails or embracing the area for the rich history that it holds. It appears evident that something needs to be done before it IS HISTORY.
If you have ever been to the RAVINE, seen it, heard of it, talked about it.... or just care about cool places in town, please call and voice your opinion, write a letter to the editor of the local papers, contact the Parks department, other city officials, police department, etc.