Future of Knoll Park Debated

Fairhope, Alabama

TO BURN OR NOT TO BURN

The mayor and city council are debating what to do about the plants in Knoll Park between Magnolia and Fairhope Aves.): whether to continue the long leaf pine restoration project that has been underway for several years (click) -- or to return to maintaining it the same as other city parks.

Councilman Ford called it's "unkempt" condition a "thorn in everybody's side."

Ford: " ... we have a beautiful city ... flowers everywhere ... but right in the middle ... have a park with weeds this high (gesture)."

Mayor Kant said its the only place in town where controlled burns are allowed and he gets health-related complaints from neighborhood residents about the smoke.

Kant: "All I want to do is look at options ... I get more complaints on that one spot than anywhere else in town ... is there no other way to get the long leaf pines to grow ... than to burn it off?"

Ford said there needed to be a Public debate on the issue: : "We gotta get it out in the open ... bring it to a head ... its festering."

Council President Burrell said members of the Tree Committee were planning to bring the issue up at the next council work session (4:30 PM, this Monday).



Comments

Anonymous said…
I hated what they did to that park. It will never be the same and it's too bad.
Anonymous said…

Ford's right. Its a big mess. clean it up.
fairhope RE said…
Glad to hear that this issue is finally coming to light. The park has such potential, it would be great to see some good idea's on managing the growth while keeping public health in mind.
Anonymous said…
Who was the genius that came up with this idea in the first place?
Anonymous said…
The park is great as it is. It adds value to the surrounding area.
Anonymous said…
What happened at the Tree Committee meeting?
Anonymous said…
I took a walk here for the first time last week. It is a magical place. The flora and fauna of this longleaf pine stand is remarkable. I thank the single tax colony for their efforts at preserving this park!