Kids were tourism boosters

I see that the Ice Age Park is now coming up for a vote with the final decision being left to the Electric City Community but the enjoyment of it being shared by many of those passing through.

A few months back, Harvey Haven of Amboy, Washington, a former resident of the area during our growing up years, penned a letter to the editor extolling the virtues of having such an attraction to the area. Even though the letter was sent to The Star, it was directed to the citizens of Electric City and at that time to the Powers that Be. I felt it was an excellent letter, and since I was mentioned in the letter I felt l should add something that could help ease the monetary concerns somewhat to the city income.

Of the kids growing up at the time after Grand Coulee City/Community Park was established, I don’t believe a day went by during the summer that we kids playing some game or other weren’t interrupted by kids AND/OR parents stopping for lunch or a time to rest. They always wanted to know the best place to spend the night, the best restaurant (mine at the time was the Continental Hotel/Cafe), the most popular tourist attraction (figure that one out), and the quickest route to get there. Every kid had an answer.

Now, I can’t say how many folks took our advice, but I know some did, as many times I bumped into folks downtown the next day that we had talked with. They were in the process of having lunch in one of the places we had suggested. I can’t begin to estimate how much money was left in the community. But I do know that without the park some of these folks would have moved on after viewing the Dam, probably without spending a dime. I realize the taxes taken from the funds left in Coulee Country don’t amount to a whole lot, but it does help somewhat in offsetting some of the maintenance fees you all are concerned with.

So before you vote on November 3rd, understand and know all you can about this project and then cast your vote. 

Jim Glick

Olympia, WA