This may be interesting to some of you.

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FIRST..the STATE PARK PEOPLE

I was surprised that the local parks offices have no knowledge of the parties held at Cherry Springs or even Codorus Park.? The supervisors are entrusted as stewards of public lands, take their work very seriously, and are very protective.? I am thrilled that they took a chance on our event, and I can understand their caution.? When I was stuck for a location 3 years ago and managed to get the scout camp with 3 weeks warning, when I learned of the airport owner’s death.? I was told how the scout council was burned with the aftermath of allowing some events to use Wizard Ranch, and last year I heard about how disabled vehicles were left abandoned on a park property.? These are terrific people trying to do a wonderful job, truly as public servants.? We are lucky to have them, and their caution is justified.

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SECOND..the STATE PARK property..

I am proceeding slowly and cautiously, to gain trust and build a good relationship, and see what potential there is for events at this park.? Too much too fast is not a good thing here, in spite of my excitement and enthusiasm.? These people have let us do things they haven’t allowed anyone else to do, and for that, we can both benefit.? I am looking to help them with their efforts to promote use as well as preserve this gorgeous park.? It is a small, forgotten piece of Lancaster County, which is one reason it is so dark.? Surrounded by farmland on both sides of the river, Muddy Run Park to the north, and the Susquehanna River to the south, it is not likely to have the skies ruined by light pollution.? Ever.? I could only hope.? We are also amazed at how hard and dry this field is.? We are the first to be allowed to drive on it.? For any of you who remember pulling onto the field at Codorus State Park in the early 2000’s, seeing a third of it taped off due to being soggy, I can appreciate their caution.

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THREE…the future of our EVENTS

One of the things that some of you know is that I am an old boy scout.? I was a kid in Brooklyn when I joined at age 10, and was taught to leave places better than I found them.? Since 1995, I am usually the last person to leave the party, and I police the entire property for the tiniest bits of trash to remove any trace of our visit.? I want people to realize we respect the privilege they extend to us when we have a place to hold our events.? Most of you do the same.? The last couple of years have been iffy, to say the least, but I never want anyone to be able to say anything negative about their experience with us.

As we move forward, there may be opportunities for evening star watches or additional camping events.? I will discuss these ideas when possible, and always, there are people that need to give permission to the supervisors, so please be patient.? As I said, I’ve been looking for a place like this for a long time.? And here it was, in my own backyard, so to speak.? I plan to be welcome back here for a long time.

Thanks everyone for supporting me and this party.? I don’t take that for granted, either.

Phil

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