Access to park key to progress in Gordon

Published: August 21, 2010

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To the editor: In recent times I've been reminded of the Vince Lombardi quote, "People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses or the problems of modern society." Working together is necessary to overcome differences and paves the way for progress.

For two years, the Borough of Gordon has been engaged in litigation disputing ownership and accessibility of Gordon Park Road, a parcel of property along Route 4007.

The significance of this road closure can hardly be underestimated. Since the early 1900s, community residents have utilized this road to enter Gordon Park for sporting events and tournaments, educational field trips, family picnics, Scout functions and fire company festivities, just to name a few. Indeed, these activities have been catalysts for growth in Gordon for over a generation, making it an ideal place in Schuylkill County to live, work and play.

More recently, the park has been home to movie nights and fishing derbies sponsored by the Gordon Fish and Game Club, church youth group programs, as well as the location for the Gordon Music Festival - a full-day event attracting thousands of visitors from across the country over the course of its 10-year existence, and certainly making an unforgettable impression on Gordon. Sadly, this year, the music festival has become the first victim of the ongoing legal saga between the borough and an adjacent property owner who has restricted vehicular access to the park. As a result, future events remain in jeopardy.

As a borough, Gordon is on the cusp of new and exciting challenges. We are a community who realizes its potential and this is a direct reflection of our people and our history. We are energized by the activities sponsored by the Gordon Fish and Game Club, the visioning process of the Gordon Adopt-A-Block Committee and the efforts of Citizens Fire Company No. 1, the Ladies Auxiliary, Gordon Seniors and AMVETS.

Additionally, we welcome the industry sector at Highridge Business Park and look to form everlasting partnerships with these tenants. After all, it was through community partnerships that real progress was achieved with the help of "Lowe's Heroes" employees, who donated their time and talent to our community, investing thousands of dollars in materials to make Gordon Park a safer and friendlier place for our children. Without a doubt, partnerships are the building blocks of progress and the key to preserving opportunities.

As mayor and lifelong resident of such a wonderful community, I am very proud of the contributions and investments made to Gordon Park, directly and indirectly, through the efforts of our predecessors, in addition to the work and resources of current borough employees, local organizations, clubs, school students, volunteers and sponsors. I am optimistic this work will continue as we engage a new generation of young people, new residents and business people in order to preserve these investments, despite this difficult economy.

To some, the park may just be an ornamental fixture. To others, the park may be a refuge. To me, it is a place where memories can be created and shared for generations.

It is my hope that differences can be put aside and the good of the entire community will come first, to resolve the dispute over road ownership and accessibility for the sake of every Gordon resident, for the sake of the park we share, and for the sake of an "open road" to progress.

Nick Troutman

Mayor

Borough of Gordon

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