Once we alter we can’t go back

40+ year resident of Bloomington. Have seen a lot of change - some good, some not so much.

Grew up one block from the 9 mile natural trail system that is being considered to be covered in asphalt. I currently live approx 200 - 300 yds from same trail.

Growing up - all the kids in the neighborhood spent countless hours (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) playing and connecting with this unspoiled paradise.I now walk this trail at least once a week with my dog - it is as close to real nature experience as any of us can get residing in the metro.

I have lived in 3 other states - they have nothing like this available in their major metros - Nothing! This is truly a unique and vanishing nature experience that needs to be preserved/protected for future generations at all costs.The city of Bloomington should be marketing this experience exclusive to Bloomington.

Folks have plenty of options to ride their bikes on designated trails and streets in this city. The city has gone out of its way to accommodate the bike community. On the other hand citizens of Blooming have very few options to walk in nature without the fear of “on your left or right” being yelled at them while enjoying a walk in nature. The needs of both tax paying green space users need to be addressed and preserved.

This whole 9 mile position/proposal caught me completely off guard - was not aware until weeks before election - I will take blame - that is fine. There is so much online, in the mail and on social platforms - it is virtually impossible to sort through what is and what isn’t relevant anymore.

Before any action is taken on the one last section of unmolested nature and it gets paved over - the city needs to go back out and get input on what exactly it is considering and potentially proposed for this area .Want to be clear - most folks are all in on maintenance, clean up, removal of invasive, etc throughout entire creek system as well as update and adds to Moir Park facilities. But there is a clear disconnect on changing this area south of 106th street from its native state and adding asphalt and bikes.

Once we alter — we can’t go back. Many more generations to follow and many more memories to be made.