DEAR EDITOR:

The ruling on the Mill Creek MetroParks bike trail hits a nerve in many citizens. I, for one, am not comfortable with the government allowing eminent domain for recreation. Having said that, I want to tell you how I feel about the park itself and recreation.

I have been a supporter of the Fellows Riverside Gardens for many years. I love the park and have always supported its levies. As a child, I lived near the park off of Glenwood Avenue and played in the park daily. I also am a proponent of exercise and a healthy lifestyle and use the YMCA daily.

So, yes, I am happy there is a bike trail. What I object to is the taking over of private property for recreational use.

I know who Diane Less is but do not know her personally; however, I can identify with her. If eminent domain were asking for water usage or a necessary utility, it would be understandable. Surely the park can find land closer to an existing road if it wants to continue the trail southward.

To all the officials involved in this decision, I ask them to ask themselves, “How would I like to have to give up some of my property or home for someone’s recreation?”

I can tell you that I am not the only one who feels this way, and the park will only hurt itself at election time if it continues to pursue this.

MICHELE BLASKO

DERHODES

Poland