Letter to the Editor: Parks Are an Investment in Local Families

During the Feb. 6 Parks Committee meeting in Sister Bay, village administrator Julie Schmelzer presented research on different types of parks and noted that the village has no mini-parks or neighborhood parks. She noted that the village owns land at the corner of Ava Hope and Northwoods Drive, which is surrounded by Stony Ridge condos; The Shoals affordable-housing development, which is nearing completion; five fairly new apartment buildings; and the eight lots (soon 10, hopefully) owned by the Door County Housing Partnership for modest single-family homes. 

Rather than embrace the idea, the comment was made that “the village’s plate is currently very full.” There were also concerns about the cost of development and maintenance. To Ms. Schmelzer’s credit, she hasn’t given up: The idea will be on a future agenda.

During the Feb. 26 Door County Talks program on loneliness, connection and community, David Helpap spoke about the importance of casual meeting places (such as parks) to a community’s mental health and sense of connection. The proposed park would also contribute to our well-being just by being green space. 

This small park is an example of what should be done for the people who live and work in our village. The location will probably be the most densely populated area in Sister Bay and perhaps Northern Door. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a committee member complain about the cost of amenities the tourists use. Let’s also invest in our families and the workers who serve those tourists.

Vivian Nienow
Sister Bay, Wisconsin

(Editor’s Note: Nienow is a candidate for a seat on the Sister Bay Village Board.)