Yesterday after Autumn woke up from her nap I asked Keith if he'd come with me for a walk at Erie Bluffs State Park. This was only the second time I'd walked at the park -- the first was when I was alone and there for work purposes.
The land, on the western side of Girard Township, is currently undeveloped. The park was acquired by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in December 2003 and then was released to DCNR and proclaimed a state park in June 2004. It's so undeveloped and so new of a state park that there's not even a sign there. If you didn't know where the park was, you would probably drive right by.
I like the park, despite the long walk through a field, then through the woods. Once you get to the edge of the lake, it's not as though you can just jump in for a swim. You somehow have to manage to get down the bluff, which is not easy. The first time I went to the park, I slid halfway down on my butt. Yesterday we had Autumn with us and did not try to get down to the water. We were content to stand along the edge of the bluff and just stare out at the endless expanse of water. Afterward, we had to push the all-terrain stroller back up the steep trail, which gave our legs a workout. I pushed halfway then Keith pushed the other half because I was huffing and puffing.
There's been talk about putting an inn, campgrounds and picnic areas on the 540-acre park. You can read about the Bluffs here and the most recent piece on developing the Bluffs here. Conservationists are fighting this and after a trip out there, you might see why, too. I like this park because it's undeveloped. The trails are just enough to help you find your way, but not so much that you feel as though they were manmade. It's just simple paths worn down by the feet of others who wanted a little respite from city life.
I grew up in the country. I played on acres of land and got lost in the woods. What I like about the Bluffs is that it takes me back to my childhood. When I look around and see subdivisions full of houses popping up on formerly vacant land, when I see new Wal-Marts appear on every corner and when I hear about farms closing, I think acres of cornfields and woods like you currently find at the Bluffs will soon be gone. As Autumn grows up, already in a more "urban" location than I grew up, will she ever have a chance to lose herself in the trees? Will she not be afraid to get her hands dirty or to search for salmanders? Why can't this one place remain unchanged when so much else is changing?
Yesterday we passed a grand total of seven people. Two groups of two and one of three. I think if I passed as many people as I do on the multipurpose trail at Presque Isle State Park, the Bluffs would lose much of its appeal for me. If I want to see other people or walk on a nice, easy trail, I'll go to Presque Isle. If I want to lose myself in the woods, and in my childhood, I'd rather have the Bluffs. I can only wait and see what will happen next.