Rodger Jones has been complaining about the Galatyn Park DART station forever. Each time, he leaves readers with a completely wrong impression about pedestrian accessibility. Instead of obstacle courses, the city of Richardson has created one of the most enjoyable strolls any pedestrian in any modern urban setting could ask for. There is a walking trail through the Spring Creek Nature Area that leads from the corner of US 75 and Renner Road right to the Galatyn Park DART station. It's shaded. It's quiet. It's buffered from the sights and sounds and smells of traffic.
Why does Mr Jones dismiss it out of hand? He says he walks only to avoid using cars, not for enjoyment or exercise. He does not want a single extra step in his pedestrian commute. He wants a straight line down the highway. Mr Jones wants to walk on the shoulder of the Central Expressway access road. That nature trail winds through the woods, so it is not an acceptable alternative. Rather than take the winding, paved trail through the woods to Galatyn Park, he bushwhacks a straight line in the other direction through mud and weeds and "ankle-biting critters" to the Bush Turnpike DART station to save a few steps.
Mr Jones could gain my sympathy in his quest for better sidewalks if he gave even a nod to the city of Richardson for creating a real gem of a walking trail that goes to where Mr Jones is going, Galatyn Park. Mr Jones may not want to stroll in the woods, but many others do. Mr Jones shouldn't count on my support for his sidewalk alongside Central Expressway until he shows at least a little appreciation for the trails that deliberately avoid that route that's so unappealing to so many of the rest of us.
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