Recently there has been talk of letting the water cascades at Franklin Park go dry. Critics say that the expense of repairing it is too great, and that the money can better be used elsewhere. I believe this comes from a misunderstanding of the nature and value of public spaces.
A Dispatch commentary has made a false analogy between the excesses of the rich in building structures and areas for their own private pleasure, and areas created for the enrichment and enjoyment of the general public. It is a disservice to equate an expensive indulgence with a place that can enhance the lives of many, and is open to all.
It also was said that we have parks located along natural waterways, Alum Creek being specifically mentioned, and that there is no reason to spend money on the Cascades when natural features are nearby. This is to say that walking in the woods and walking in a garden give the same experience. The creek, while beautiful to look at, is not easily accessible from the paths, for safety and other reasons. The water features at Franklin Park are popular because they are not only attractive, but are also easily accessed by children and families.
Columbus has three historic city parks, Goodale Park, Schiller Park, and Franklin Park, with Franklin Park being the largest. All three parks have water features that are maintained and have been improved at various times. It is not that long ago that a great deal of effort and money was spent to install the Elephant Fountain at Goodale Park, and fix the leaking of its pond. It has been said that the Cascades was never meant to be permanent, and was only temporary. This “temporary” feature has been in place since 1992, for 27 years.
Some say that there is not enough money to go around, and that the money should be spent instead on social services. While it is true that the social services have been more and more shortchanged, there is no guarantee that the amount not spent on public civic improvements would then be directly diverted to fund programs to help those in need. It is also a demeaning error to assume that because some people have fewer resources, that they have less need for recreation and the beautiful. The neighborhood around Franklin Park, though it is gentrifying, is still one of the less wealthy areas of Columbus. Give us bread, but give us roses.
Public parks are important to the health and livability of a city. They are places where people can get away from everyday worries to enjoy beauty and experience community. Franklin Park has already suffered the indignity of having one-third of its formerly accessible area being put behind the bars of fences; it should not have to suffer the further harm of having one of its best features run dry.