As my Mother stated in an earlier comment, my family has known Glen Lake since 1969. My Grandfather first brought her then, and my brother and I have been fortunate enough to spend every summer in the area for the past twenty years. My family and I have created life long friendships with people we have met while vacationing in the area. Glen Lake has given me the opportunity to watch kids who would once try to tip my canoe or scare me when we were all sitting around the bonfire, grow up to be successful adults and create families of their own. Glen Lake has also allowed my brother and I to bring up our friends from the Chicagoland area and show (or brag about) the simplistic beauties the area has to offer.
My problem with supporting the Air Walk stems from the fact that it will obliterate the character and pristine land of the area. A 2,000 foot-long steel walkway supported by 12 towers ranging between 60 and 120 feet in height and a 120-car parking lot, simply do not belong. The character of the area is based on simplicity. A relaxing day on the lake, a bike ride around the lake, a hike on one of the many eco friendly paths that bring you to a spectacular view, a family dinner celebrating the fishing excursion taken earlier in the week, or a bonfire consisting of the ones you love, a s’more and a breathtaking sunset are what truly define the area.
Also, I find it insulting that Mark Evans uses education as a proposal for the Air Walk. There is nothing educational about thousands of tourists roaming on a 2,000 foot-long steel walkway or a 120-car parking lot. If he is truly trying to provide an educational experience or a place for scientists to study, then leaving the environment unaffected would be a more suitable option. One studying an area that has been altered would make any findings inaccurate. It is imperative that people, and more importantly the next generation, are educated on the restoration and protection of our environment, and not only focused on a profitable business venture.
Unfortunately, today’s society lacks an appreciation for simplicity. One could visit one of the many already existing tourist attractions, that don’t harm the pristine land, for free. I truly support the local economy and local businesses, but many things have already changed from simplicity since I have grown up. I am proud to see that Glen Lake is worthy of a 5 to 7.5 million dollar investment for Mark Evans, but the Air Walk does not belong. Mark Evans is exploiting nature and education for a business venture.
Glen Lake is, and forever will be my second home. It is a place dear to my heart, and I hope that the generations that follow will be given the chance to appreciate the simplistic beauties of the character and land, the way I have been fortunate enough to grow up knowing.