If you were to hear resident and former city councilwoman Anne Doyle talk about a place she believes is a little slice of paradise, you would think it would be filled with sandy beaches, ocean breezes, plenty of sunshine, and palm trees.  But for Anne, the serene environment of Hawk Woods Park on Bald Mountain Road, south of Dutton Road, and its many meandering foot paths and walking trails, bring her much joy, not to mention health benefits.  You see, Anne is a frequent visitor to the park where she walks her dogs (on leashes, of course) multiple times each week.  And when she reached out to me a couple of weeks ago expressing a desire to see some modest improvements, we agreed to meet at the park on Friday morning, March 8^th so I could see the needs for myself. 

I’ve been with the city for 23 years, and I must admit that I’ve not walked all the trails at Hawk Woods.  Anne warned me that I had better have proper footwear because this was going to be a hike. I invited three members of the staff along who have an influential role in the park system here in our community.  We reviewed several areas of the park where some additional improvements need to be made.   Until you get deep into the trails, you can’t appreciate the streams, ponds, foot bridges, boardwalks, and the terrain that cuts through heavily wooded land.  We walked away from our visit today not only with a little mud on our shoes, but with a fresh perspective of this hidden jewel known as Hawk Woods Park.  Anne was right.  I should have worn my hiking boots!

I was glad I took the hike this morning.  Out of it came some ideas for improvements and some things we realize we need to pursue.  Thank you, Anne, for raising awareness.  Your excitement about Hawk Woods and its value to our community is contagious.

Thomas A. Tanghe, City Manager