There are plans to install a third baseball diamond and completely redo the two existing baseball fields. The plan also includes the addition of new restroom facilities, lighting, and sidewalks. This will likely interfere with the existing cross country trails, meaning the removal of unique and beautiful cross country trails. The plan could also have a negative effect on the nearby Wapihani Nature Preserve, with more trash and light pollution from the development.
In the proposal for the baseball diamond project, it is stated that the developers will work with Hamilton Southeastern Schools and Riverside Junior High to “re-route any cross country trails that may be impacted”.
The project also presents an unnecessary cost for the town, with a proposed total of $80,000.
It could result in the removal of unique trails that are used by athletes at the school, and many visitors who enjoy seeing the beauty of the trails when they stop by to take a walk.
Let’s review the options: Miles of unique trails for anyone to use. Riverside’s cross country course is among the best in the state, and there are not many other locations that still contain trails through natural forests, making Riverside’s cross country course very unique. OR: Spending more money for the removal of the trails and surrounding forests and fields for the construction of unnecessary baseball fields. The two fields that are already located at Riverside are poorly maintained and not used very often. There are countless other baseball fields in parks around Fishers. There is ONE good cross country course in Fishers.
Signing this petition will help show the Town Council that people are NOT in favor of the development of the area surrounding Riverside Junior High. At the very least, it will help create a compromise to leave the trails unaffected in the development. The development will begin in the Summer of 2014 if action is not taken quickly. Thank you for your support.
