Expansion of the Kennedy Park parking area

Once in a while something good can come from an error in judgment, in this case allowing the building of the Belvedere by town officials.

Sometimes the town officials can’t see the big picture of expanding the parking lot at Kennedy Park for those individuals who want to enjoy the park, see the Belvedere and the remains of the old hotel, Aspinwall.

George “Gige” Darey, a former selectman, naturalist and noted environmentalist, has called for expansion of a parking lot beyond the handicapped area around the new Kennedy Park water tank.

“There should be parking for more vehicles so that people can enjoy the park and its natural habitat,” said Mr. Darey, who noted John Drummond Kennedy was his mentor.

People don’t realize the gift they have in the park and what some people had to do to have it become part of Lenox.

“We have a jewel in the park,” Mr. Darey said.

There is a flat area past the tank once the site of the Aspinwall tennis court which might be ideal for a parking area, he said.

From there one could walk up and view the Belvedere.

Mr. Darey said he would like to get a “viewing stand” (a.k.a. an outlook tower) built, whereby people could readily see Monument Mountain and Mount Washington from the same vantage point.

This idea has tremendous appeal and could be the focal point of bringing our residents and guests into the park.

Today, selectmen and department of public works (DPW) personnel, along with Kennedy Park members should explore expanding the road to a new area for parking. The cost could be minimal, with the DPW doing much of the site work and retaining as much of its natural beauty. There are many people who can lend a helping hand in these tight town budget times and give purpose to our beloved park, Mr. Darey noted.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on November 29, 2012. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry