THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 12, 1995 TAG: 9508100014
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
One might think that ducks in Seashore State Park would be an expected and welcome sight on a summer weekend. However, the tasteless assault of surplus amphibious craft carting tourists through a state-supported facility is beyond human comprehension. I greatly resent the intrusion of someone's money-making scheme that disturbs the natural serenity of this national treasure.
Park Supervisor Hazelwood and his staff have done much to both improve the appearance and defend the integrity of the park. The Shamrock Marathon was rerouted to avoid undue impact, and mountain bikes have been banned from all but the main trails. Runners, bikers and walkers who appreciate the splendor that the park offers abide by the rules and often collect trash left by less-thoughtful visitors.
It appears the state has thrown in the towel to allow this vulgar enterprise to malign the park's prominence as one of the last sanctuaries of peace at the beach. Economic progress is fine and necessary, but it needs to be guided with some wisdom. Can those in authority fail to see that the quality of life in Virginia Beach is eroding at an unprecedented rate? Noisy jet skis and the overflow parking from beach parties have driven the less aggressive to seek the solitude the park could always offer.
Yes, one can always move away (the ultimate answer to all environmental threats), but quacking, yes quacking, tourists are too much to bear.
TOM MAGEE
Virginia Beach, July 23, 1995 by CNB