ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, July 30, 1996 TAG: 9607300078
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-4 EDITION: METRO
THE SMALL city of Bedford has shown foresight in setting aside a good share of its land for public parks, and in making a significant budgetary commitment - more per capita than other Virginia localities its size - to its parks program.
Bedford devotes about 80 acres to park facilities, and allocates more than a half-million dollars each year for them. This year, that sum includes $75,000 for the infrastructure of a new park on prime commercial land that was donated to the city.
The park priority testifies to Bedford City Council's understanding of the importance of green spaces to a community's quality of life. It shows, too, Bedford's optimism that its lifestyle will continue to attract younger families as well as retirees.
Bedford may never become a booming metropolis. But, with nearby Smith Mountain Lake serving as a people magnet, it is at the center of one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. The city's own population - 6,479 - grew by nearly 7 percent from 1990 to 1995, and there's no reason to think the trend won't continue.
Current preservation of land for residents' recreation and relaxation - and walking and biking and buffer zones amid municipal hubbub - is a wise investment for the future.
Unfortunately, too many American cities, formerly the size of Bedford, failed to show similar foresight while going through growth spurts. They've come to regret it.
Not all cities, of course, are as blessed as Bedford with a landscape of abundant natural resources and beauty. But far too many have given short shrift to planning and investing for parks. Once their finest green spaces are gone, it's hard to retrieve them.
Thankfully, many older cities now recognize the value of such oases - as evidenced by the recent movement to create greenways in urban centers. In this regard, Bedford is proudly ahead of the game.
LENGTH: Short : 43 linesby CNB