Deconstructing the motocross park debate

1. Tolerance:

It's for the children. It's obviously the only event that all families can enjoy together and it must be in a convenient location for these families, never mind the surrounding neighborhoods, parents who cannot otherwise control their unruly children, and children who lack the creativity to find other things to do in this glorious country setting, need this. And, it's not feasible to delay gratification; they must have this park now, in your backyard. So, do go out there and have fun with the families. You were invited, presumably at the expense of the motocross organizers. You'll feel good. And by all means, be tolerant.

2. Temporary

"Temporary" (Parks and Recreation Department dictionary, 2009) means: Until and if another site is found - hopefully not in your backyard assuming of course that the public opponents do not go to sleep and forget about this. Then, the term "temporary" will evolve, as is typical of the English language, e.g., "that motocross park, wow, I'm stoked." And please note, the motocross folks have done everything to ensure that the site doesn't look permanent. So, just go to sleep.

3. Impact

Never mind that only motocross folks, who want the event to stay where it is, were asked to report how much they spent in the Valley. We trust them to be truthful just as they have been about the "temporary" nature of the park, the financial interests of the organizers, the cost to the county. And one of the volunteers (who lives here in Carson Valley and owns some business related to motocross) went out to breakfast for the first time and actually spent money in the county, even bought 60 bucks worth of sandwiches at a franchise, I guess forgetting that Hamdogs would have been a lot cheaper.

4. Accommodations

Officials spoke to the dogs at the animal shelter, and they said they were not bothered. But, at any rate a metal sound barrier was put in place, a known sound conductor. I'm sure you will understand that sound mufflers, with airspace, are just too expensive (and would look too permanent.) And the stress to neighboring horses - the tourism gentleman finds that amusing, as I'm sure you will. Again, for those of you who have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on your property, not to mention sticking money in the slots, eating at local establishments, shopping at Scolaris - just be tolerant.

5. Trust

Your local officials are on your side. Just go to sleep, it's "temporary." Almost forgot, the motocross folks generously gave money to a social club of which another parks commissioner is a member. Just trust.

6. Not a gift of public funds

The parks and recreation department always works with events organizers. Never mind most of these are 1-3 day events. Never mind that nevada motocross park is a registered corporation. Never mind that even though their goal is not money but families, they are not registered as a non-profit. Never mind that if you wanted to open a for-profit RV park or miniature golf park on that property for a grand total of $1,200 you would no doubt be turned down. And free water. Don't worry; it doesn't cost the parks and recreation department anything. The fact that this same water is part of the aquifer doesn't really matter. Only about five families per year would use that much free water. De minimus. And, just forget that this is five families (one in Ruhenstroth at least whose well went dry) multiplied by all the years this is "temporary." Really, what does water matter in this lush (desert) valley? And then there are those huge dumpsters the Transfer Station is using for sound barriers. Guess they were just excess dumpsters that could be donated to keep the peace.

7. Adjust

Not only is this temporary, but your summers will soon be free. Two seasons, fall and spring are much better for motocross. And never mind that Mammoth, one of the largest events, has eight days in June and is done with it. Remember, this is for the families (not yours maybe, but that's ok), and 18 days - well, that probably just won't be enough. What are these bored kids going to do the remaining 347 days? Just adjust.

8. You deserve this

This site was carefully chosen because you already have the fairgrounds, transfer station, animal shelter, model airplane park, and shooting range nearby. Not to mention dust from the desert. So, you're entitled to more. Never mind that you don't hear many of these things, or purchased your property knowingly. You just plain deserve this. Oh, and those who don't even live in your neighborhood know it to be noisy. Forget all those quiet Sunday mornings you have spent listening to nothing other than the calls of quail.

So, just be tolerant, it's for the children.

Joyce O. Eckrem is a Ruhenstroth resident.