Having recently attended the Frisco “informational” meeting about future plans for Frisco’s Peninsula Recreation Area, I came away disappointed by the presentation. It would appear that our elected officials have prepared options for the future use of the PRA without concise planning and without regard to its impact upon its neighbors. My comments follow:

First: The tubing hill was originally presented as a benign use. It has now grown to a hill utilizing two magic carpets, outdoor lighting, and outdoor loudspeakers and is envisioned as a competitor to the tubing hills located at the ski resorts. The consultants conceded that a cost benefit analysis has not been undertaken and are guessing that it might be profitable. It would operate at night with music blasting and lighting visible to the neighborhood.

Second: The planners recommend a 2,000 square-foot building containing a commercial kitchen. Is this merely a lodge for day visitors to the PRA? The consultants conceded that it could be used as a catering facility with outdoor music for nighttime weddings and events. There were no cost estimates and I could not get a commitment as to limits on nighttime use.

Third: The ice skating rink would also involve nighttime activities, lighting and outdoor music.

Fourth: All the plans presented would adversely impact the Nordic Center by eliminating and relocating trails.

I realize that this was merely an informational meeting. From experience I have come to believe that what is presented at these meetings often progresses to completion. I would ask our elected officials to rethink this plan at its outset, before it gains momentum and becomes a burden to Frisco’s taxpayers and the neighbors of the PRA. We do not need a mini-Disneyland on the PRA. Let’s keep its use limited to what we can afford to maintain and at the same time allows the residents its use for such activities as Nordic skiing, hiking, disc golf, biking and just enjoying nature.