OCR Text |
Show PAGE THE ZEPHYR AUGUST 89 15 Recreation In the past has been limited to sightseeing done by fairly tame and primitive transportation . . hiking, biking, horseback and ad But now an that could change vehicles. and road ordinary ed high-spemonorail zipping visitors from scenic Imagine a dramatically. wonder to scenic wonder. Why, the Park could now be done In fifteen minutes, leaving visitors plenty of time to spend at the new "Balanced Rock Amusement Park, or the thrilling Gran Prix tract that might circle Windows Section. Bleachers built Into the arches could provide a bit of shade from the . off-ro- oweir easy by john sensenbrenner ' What do you think of "Arches National Theme Park? Soon there may be major changes In the nature of Utah's National Parks, and you could be part of It You could be among the first to own a piece of the rocks. I know that I'm going to get my section early.. Such a deal for . you! ' - . If It will agree to And such a deal ' for. the National Park Service. If land exchange (If could) sections of along Lake Powell for development for an equal number, of State sections tied up In federal lands, the State of Utah will also : agree . to sell, to the private sector. Its sections which are uselessly locked In the Utah National Parks. Every level of the NPS Is enthusiastically abuzz with excitement at the prospect of dumping the Lake Powell problem. After the dogged soldiers of the NPS have labored for years against congressional action that would make possible the release of land In Its control for exchange with the State of Utah, It now appears that the light at the end of the tunnel Is gleaming. The solution was so simple that It seems a shame that the State will take credit for the Idea. If Implemented, the Utah National Parks may soon sparkle as the Jewels of the park system. Let s consider some of the possible Impacts from a visitor's viewpoint: Many people who might pass by the Parks would now be drawn In to enjoy the upgraded offerings, many even to build homes there. Every square mile of Park could have a residential Island with hundreds of new homes. For too long only the custodians have been allowed to reside In the sanctuary of the Parks. What could be more logical than Integrating the general public Into the scene as permanent residents to help dissolve the shabby, transient reputation of the Parks? . By Inviting the private sector to share In direct ownership In the Parks we might see the utilization of resources that were . . , . never before thought appropriate. Some of the new residential areas could be built around a nucleus of condos. How about the "Courthouse Towers Towers? Or the prestigious Tower Arch Towers? Consider the magical effect these would haveon the features , of the Park. A. : bUstering sun. Hunting expeditions could be mounted from the "Wolf Hunting Ranch." A new lodge could be constructed of logs on the other side of the parking lot from the pioneer cabin and made to look architecturally compatible with the spirit of the old ranch. ' And why not a "Park Avenue Mali to replace the few dull post cards and magazines at the visitor center? For those who don't want an extensive outdoor experience there could be And Instead of plain old the "Hungry Eye of the Whale Resort and Casino. Devil's Garden we might see the nighttime sky electrified by the music and neon of the new "Devil's Beer Garden. The Utah Symphony Orchestra performed at this spot to the delight of visitors In the summertime. Now there could be a powerful calliope playing 24 hours a day, creating a startling new mood In the Park that could be enjoyed for miles around. In cooperation with Gramm-Rudm-an mandates the Park could also be made even We might see, for example, a wildly yea, profitable. new "Fiery Furnace Incinerator Plant, observing all EPA controls, of course. And on the newly sold private sections It wouldn't be necessary to observe the crippling, management plans. Oh, no, Just get out self-sustain- ing, time-consum- ing the hammers and saws and get the concrete flowing. There would be private campgrounds to handle the swelling numbers, perhaps every mile or so, with stores, laundromats, swimming pools and large trees. Palms would be nice. Frequent spraying could handle those nasty Insects that are now allowed to terrorize visitors. Since the private lands In the Parks would not be subject to the lm cumbersome Impact studies, they would respond only to the measure Some of would ventures feckless doubtless fall profIL capitalist an average buelness life of ten years, and be bulldozed out of quickly, say the way so fast that the tedious NPS Impact study system would be unable to stream of keep pace and probably rendered unnecessary In the the real world. This would most likely make possible a great reduction In NPS' employees and liberate the remaining troops for more Important things, like running the Park like a Park; shedding the crusty Image of a geologlcalnaturalhlstoricalarcheo logical museum. Lake Powell would emphasize the recreation at last Those meaningless State sections In the Parks would be made usefuL And the NPS would become Mr. Nice Guy. Don't worry, be happy. slnk-or-sw- fast-mov- ing if , t Ken and Jane Sleight Pack Creek Room Open 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Evening Trail Chuckwagon Supper Ride1 June Through August Adults - $30.00 Children 12 & Under - $22.50 P.O. BOX 1270 MOAB, UTAH 84532 259-550- 5 V - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Reservations recommended 259-550- 5 . . |