THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 16, 1994 TAG: 9411160431
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY LANE DeGREGORY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SOUTHERN SHORES LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
Some residents warned of vandals and drunks. Others worried about increased police protection. A few fought 10 proposed parking places.
But most people said a small playground is exactly what this Outer Banks town needs.
At a Monday night meeting of the Southern Shores Civic Association, residents voted 229 to 71 to build a $30,700 recreational facility between Hillcrest Drive and Sea Oats Trail.
The 3-1 margin was a decisive victory for playground proponents.
The issue is perhaps the most divisive in the town's 15-year history.
Normally, fewer than 100 people turn out for civic association meetings. More than 300 at Monday's gathering filled the Kitty Hawk School cafeteria and left many people sitting on the floor. Mayor Kern Pitts said the crowd was the largest he had addressed.
``It's the kind of town where everyone comes out to talk about what they want,'' said Judy Gjestson, who was helping count hand votes Monday night. ``And this issue is something everyone seemed to have an opinion on.''
Southern Shores is a planned community with a large retiree population - many from Northeastern states. The town includes one shopping center at the east end of the Wright Memorial Bridge, a municipal complex and a few other small businesses. But the town is primarily residential.
Since plans for the 2.7-acre recreational site were proposed more than four years ago, the playground has become a battleground for many residents.
Parents say their neighborhood needs a central spot where children can throw a Frisbee, kick a soccer ball or shoot basketballs.
Many retirees say that's the last thing their quiet community needs.
At neighborhood gatherings, golf games and even the Duck Woods Country club, the playground warhas waged on. Two elderly residents almost came to blows at the site of the half-basketball court. One couple circulated a petition - and say they've gathered more than 500 signatures against the plan.
During Monday's meeting, many elderly people voted for the playground. No young residents voted against the proposal. Almost all the opposition came from senior citizens, who congregated in the center of the room.
``Our community is changing rapidly. We've been here for 13 years and now the younger people that are coming in feel like they want something more for the children,'' said Don Bierwerth, who lives near the proposed playground and helped start the petition drive against the playlot.
``The younger people have their own feelings,'' Bierwerth, 66, said Tuesday morning. ``But we think our property rights should be considered. We're going to continue fighting this thing.''
Before construction can begin, the plans must be approved by the Southern Shores Planning Board and the Town Council. The issue is on the agenda for the planning board's Nov. 28 meeting, scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Bierwerth said he and others will be there to oppose the playground.
Other residents promised to keep the ball rolling.
``We want a community area where parents can feel safe letting their children go to play by themselves,'' Southern Shores resident Jane Hazlegrove said Monday night. ``This is a beautiful facility, here at the school. But I'm not going to let my 7- and 9-year-old children ride their bikes all the way up here. We need something closer to home.''
According to plans approved Monday night, the 20,000-square-foot area will include:
A level grassy area for soccer, touch football, catch and other games.
A tot lot for younger children which will feature playground equipment.
A hard-surface, half-court basketball court.
A ``quiet area'' with winding paths and benches.
Two parking areas with spaces for a total of 10 vehicles.
``The overall objective,'' according to the plan, ``is to provide a recreational park for children residents . . . while preserving the topography and vegetation of the site.''
Only two live oak trees will have to be felled to build the playground. A bicycle rack will be added at one end.
Although the Southern Shores Civic Association has more than $140,000 in a checking account and certificates of deposit, some members worried about the playground's price tag. Town funds will not be used to support the project. Money will come from $35 per family annual civic association dues.
Civic association president Bob Seigel said the $30,700 price tag is fairly firm. But he had not received estimates on additional insurance the site might require or on maintenance costs it might necessitate. He assured the residents that the playground will not include restrooms.
``There are no lights, no swimming pool, no tennis courts,'' Seigel said. ``The plans you see tonight cover the entire area - there's no second phase. This is as low-key a facility as we can possibly make it.'' by CNB