Independent MObile JOurnalism Showcasing the "mojo" of HOward COunty
Symphony Woods As Central Park
While I'm not a native of HoCo, my husband, Dave is. I moved here with him 1993 and started our company, Pixel Workshop, in 1995, so we live and work in this community. Before we moved to Owen Brown, we lived in Harper's Choice. Our studio has been in Oakland Mills and Kings Contrivance. My in-laws live in Town Center and work in Long Reach, my brother-in-law and his wife live in Dorsey Search, and my nephew attends Wilde Lake High School.
... as a family we cover vast majority of Columbia, and while we don't all agree on all issues concerning our community, we do agree that this was the place we all want to settle and raise our families.
As we've considered the future of Columbia, many have asked "What Would Jim Do?" And we must considered that the Rouse Company didn't set out to extend the suburbs of Baltimore or Washington, their dream was to "build a better city" or a "city in a park"
Many opponents of TC development have compared Symphony Woods to Central Park in New York. I agreee that they are both parks in a city center, but Central Park is very different that Symphony Woods and maybe it is a good model for us to look at. It was designed by world-renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmstead, has 25 million visitors annually, miles of paths, an ice rink, an amphitheater, a puppet theater, dozens of ball fields, a restaurant, numerous public art displays, gardens, Belvedere Castle, and a Zoo, which some may remember that we had some time ago.
Our Pioneers came to Columbia following the Rouse dream. Those that will enjoy the future Columbia came here for very different reasons than those pioneers, and the new Master Plan is for us: the children of the pioneers that returned, and those of us that came here because its a great place to raise a family. We need to stop looking backward for our vision, and start looking ahead and envision what this community CAN be for future generations.
Symphony Woods has never been considered sacred ground before. In fact, not long ago the Columbia Council considered putting its headquarters building in Symphony Woods
I'm not suggesting the the Columbia Council vote one way or anther, I'm asking they table issue and let the plan flesh out further. No one can build on CA land now or in the future without the Council's approval. The Master Plan that's been presented is the result of the efforts of a team of experts asked to dream a little and create a recommendation of our community. Put off this decision & let's see what magic can come of it.
... as a family we cover vast majority of Columbia, and while we don't all agree on all issues concerning our community, we do agree that this was the place we all want to settle and raise our families.
As we've considered the future of Columbia, many have asked "What Would Jim Do?" And we must considered that the Rouse Company didn't set out to extend the suburbs of Baltimore or Washington, their dream was to "build a better city" or a "city in a park"
Many opponents of TC development have compared Symphony Woods to Central Park in New York. I agreee that they are both parks in a city center, but Central Park is very different that Symphony Woods and maybe it is a good model for us to look at. It was designed by world-renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmstead, has 25 million visitors annually, miles of paths, an ice rink, an amphitheater, a puppet theater, dozens of ball fields, a restaurant, numerous public art displays, gardens, Belvedere Castle, and a Zoo, which some may remember that we had some time ago.
Our Pioneers came to Columbia following the Rouse dream. Those that will enjoy the future Columbia came here for very different reasons than those pioneers, and the new Master Plan is for us: the children of the pioneers that returned, and those of us that came here because its a great place to raise a family. We need to stop looking backward for our vision, and start looking ahead and envision what this community CAN be for future generations.
Symphony Woods has never been considered sacred ground before. In fact, not long ago the Columbia Council considered putting its headquarters building in Symphony Woods
I'm not suggesting the the Columbia Council vote one way or anther, I'm asking they table issue and let the plan flesh out further. No one can build on CA land now or in the future without the Council's approval. The Master Plan that's been presented is the result of the efforts of a team of experts asked to dream a little and create a recommendation of our community. Put off this decision & let's see what magic can come of it.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Wendy Woods on -
I have lived in Ellicott City my entire life. I actually pre-date Columbia and remember when it was "the new city of Columbia". Back in the late 60's and early 70's, when I was in high school (go ahead - do the math - I graduated from Howard High in 1972) we would come to Symphony Woods and just sit around under the trees, play frisbee with friends, have a picnic... and there was a petting zoo for several years- I remember bringing my husband's niece and nephew when they visited from California. Before moving to its now-permanent home, the Maryland Renaissance Festival was held in Symphony Woods.
My point is that it has been Columbia's Central Park in the past, and could be again with the right encouragement. What a great idea.
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Permalink Reply by Susie Jordan on -
I really like the Central Park idea. Having a wooded place in the middle of town is a good thing. Events like those at the downtown lakefront could be done in Symphony Woods as well. Might even be nicer in the summer when it's hot. We cut down to many trees as it is. We should keep our green space and utilize it better.
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