Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 28, 1993 TAG: 9306010195
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A stairway could be built where the old inclined train once ran. It could be a structure of beauty that would bring thousands of people to the valley. I know of no other place where a natural resource such as this mountain is available for such a stairway.
Imagine two stairways, one side for going up, the other for coming down, approximately a half-mile long.
These stairs would attract athletes, both young and old. There could be bases constructed at the bottom and top of the stairs that would have multipurpose uses, such as instructions from group leaders, awards recognition, telecasting, entertainment, washroom facilities and vendors. Parking lots could be at the South Roanoke Athletic Field. Buses would be unloaded and loaded at drive-in ramps at the stairs' base.
Facilities at Maher Field could be upgraded for athletes coming to train on the stairs. Jogging trails could be built on either side of the stairs, zigzagging back and forth and up and down, to make each 1 mile long. For cardiovascular purposes, walking the stairs would be equivalent to walking 5 miles, and jogging would be equivalent to 8 miles.
The natural beauty of the mountain should be preserved. As much as possible, patrol personnel and vendors should be selected from people on welfare, and college students could be hired for summer work.
Revenue for construction costs and other related expenses could be realized from increased hotel and motel occupancy, an increase in restaurant-tax revenue and from sales on souvenirs, flags, sweat shirts and concessions. EARL G. LONG ROANOKE
by CNB