Ganderland Park Proposal: Will It Fly?

Will the proposal fly or spiral downward and plunge to earth?

Ducks at Mill Creek near the State Prison Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM) - Just in the shadows of our Oregon State Penitentiary along State St. is a gathering place for ducks and geese who have not run a-fowl of the law. These non-jailbirds inhabit the undeveloped park area along the refreshing Mill Creek.

Families flock to this spot to gaze at these geese and gander, whose meanderings are friendly and warm.

The waterfowl congregate as social beings, coming for handout bread to nibble and to watch the welcome spectacle of people attempting to demonstrate signs of intelligence or some semblance thereof.

Recently an unnamed nature activist approached Sen. Jackie Winters and proposed the state convert this piece of bird-brigade heaven into a state park. The concept was that it could include some sort of kid-friendly visitors center that traces the life cycles of ducks, geese and other visiting fowl. Since Portland has its famous zoo and Newport is deeply engulfed in aquarium shows, why not something for Salem?

Senator Winters--not quite a snowbird--queried the state parks officials and learned that since the turf fell within city limits, the State could transfer it to Salem. In fact, state funding may be applied for if our city is seriously interested in making Ganderland Park into a municipal bird expo area.

Will the proposal fly or spiral downward and plunge to earth? Proponents are urged to contact the Salem City Council at 555 Liberty St. SE, Salem, OR 97301, to get this plan "off the ground".

Those who ignore the crowings of the public run the risk of finding eggs on their faces, when the voters come home to roost.

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Note: The above parody-on-policy is penned by veteran reporter Barry-Lee Coyne, who has grown used to winging it whatever the weather. If this idea makes you soar, email him directly at: luckycoyne@netzero.net.