The Spokane County Parks Department should never have designated Pine River Park as level 3 under its tiered plan for applying budget cuts.

As a level 3 park, Pine River, which is adjacent to Wandermere Golf Course, will receive minimal maintenance. The permanent bathrooms will not be opened, and there will be no garbage receptacles or water service.

In fact, the grass will die as it is “mowed until it stops growing.” Will this create a fire risk in our upcoming drier-than-normal summer?

Pine River Park is one of the county’s most popular parks. People from all over the city flock to this park, not only for the usual park amenities, but also because the Little Spokane River happens to run through it.

It is a favorite spot for fishing, swimming, floating, picnics and barbecues, wedding receptions, birthday parties, family reunions and holiday gatherings. Sixty to 80 cars squeeze into the parking lot on summer days.

Pine River Park is also a subdivision and is home to approximately 300 households. Not only will this beautiful park and river be desecrated but the quality of life for the residents will be at risk.

Just because the county has determined that the level of service can be restricted, the level of public use will not be restricted. The gatherings will still take place while people become more and more angry. The park will fall victim to vandalism, garbage and unsanitary conditions.

I’ve lived in the Pine River Park neighborhood for more than 10 years, and I have observed the somewhat volatile atmosphere that is present sometimes in the park. I believe it stems from the feeling of entitlement some residents have as visitors from all over the city utilize the public domain. An already tenuous situation should not be aggravated by deleting the normal, expected park services.

I believe Pine River Park (the subdivision) and Pine River Park (the park) present a nearly unique entity. The park itself is a county park open to all. It is within a neighborhood where people feel protective of the land and the river. This will not be a good outcome for anyone.

I understand that cuts must be made somewhere, but I implore the Spokane County Park Department to reconsider and re-evaluate Pine River Park. If the park cannot be at least a level 2 park, with some services, then maybe it should be closed altogether.