Proposed Carousel at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park
The Citizens for The Preservation of Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park advocates the preservation of open space and opposes the carousel in TRPark. The TRPark deed dates back to the 1920's as "a breathing space for the neighborhood". In more than six specific references the deed advocates open space, tranquility, sporting and exercise. In more than three specific references, the deed prohibits "noisy" amusements, "mechanical" amusements, and even more specifically, "no carousels, roller coasters, switchbacks, ferris wheel.....".
None the less, a local group would like to re-write the historic deed and construct a carousel on open space park land, that is a non-renewable resource. The size of the carousel would be, 35 feet in height, 65 feet in width and depth....this is no little project. It would be built on a flood zone , where the land would have to be built up 3 or 4 feet, It would take away from pavilion area that the OB residents and local groups reserve all season long. This park is a memorial to a man who was a conservationist and a naturalist. The park being chopped up and paved over without being mindful, would be an injustice for TR stood for and what this park represents. `The deed provides that the restrictions can be modified by a written "agreement of modification". the definition of modification in Black's Law Dictionary is: a change; an alteration that would leave the general purpose and effect of the subject matter in tact. To give away our park land for this proposal would constitute an act of nullification and abandonment of the restriction in the deed and it would constitute impermissible use. A carousel is not a modification but a substitution. Lets preserve "Our Sanctuary By The Sea"
None the less, a local group would like to re-write the historic deed and construct a carousel on open space park land, that is a non-renewable resource. The size of the carousel would be, 35 feet in height, 65 feet in width and depth....this is no little project. It would be built on a flood zone , where the land would have to be built up 3 or 4 feet, It would take away from pavilion area that the OB residents and local groups reserve all season long. This park is a memorial to a man who was a conservationist and a naturalist. The park being chopped up and paved over without being mindful, would be an injustice for TR stood for and what this park represents. `The deed provides that the restrictions can be modified by a written "agreement of modification". the definition of modification in Black's Law Dictionary is: a change; an alteration that would leave the general purpose and effect of the subject matter in tact. To give away our park land for this proposal would constitute an act of nullification and abandonment of the restriction in the deed and it would constitute impermissible use. A carousel is not a modification but a substitution. Lets preserve "Our Sanctuary By The Sea"
I would like to see TR Park landscaping and access improvements, without the addition of a large new structure such as a carousel. The park needs to be brought back up to satisfactory condition before any significant park changes should be considered. Its beautiful and its been neglected.
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There are issues here that go beyond whether or not a carousel would be a benefit or detriment to the Hamlet. By allowing the deed to be "modified" in a way that is so contrary to the original intent, sets a very dangerous precedent that could have serious implications for other public lands far into the future. Are we also to allow the land that is being acquired through the recent environmental bond acts as open space to be later turned into amusement parks. As time passes, the pressure to "utilize" undeveloped land will increase. If we allow the original intent of any these lands to be compromised now, eventually all will be lost.
Barry E. Lamb
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The Open Space of the park frames the quite fragile beauty of the Wildlife Refuge and should be protected. Let's first invest our time and energy by enhancing the plantings and increasing the safety of the park, before building a carousel.
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