Contributor Opinion By Herb Winkler: Indigenous Rock For Rockville
Jul 30, 2009 8:00 - 2 Comments
Recreational rocks being installed at Town Square
I applaud the choice of recreational equipment in out Town Center. Rocks are stylish, maintenance free and could be carbon neutral, depending on how far they had to travel. I propose shopping locally next time. If we can’t get a decent town center rock in Maryland’s Rockville Town Center, which Rockville should we shop: CT, IN, MN, MO, NE, SC or UT?
In support of the Buy Rockville campaign, I propose we dig up our own rock during our next excavation.
The city does well with the various imported rockers, but we have to realize the importance of indigenous species, i.e. The West End. Our very own rock could serve as a mascot, sparing us the $75,000 marketing campaign (p.3 of the pdf link). A version of the mascot (Rocky?) could loose some weight and show up at civic events. This guy is saving us money already, and we haven’t even unearthed him yet!
Getting back to the business at hand: obtaining our soon to be beloved Rock (perhaps Rocko, a less violent cultural reference). Admittedly, there is no ongoing need for such items, as we have to brand our rocks before we can market them. Therefore, I propose we poll ourselves to determine what we want, and inform retailers of our findings.
As has already been discussed on Rockville Central, the wares that we need but can’t get in Town Center are hardware and underwear. That surprising result indicates the poll was not conducted properly, so let’s try again. I’ll ask one of our blogs, REDI, or the city itself to host a site to take your vote and address (so people don’t stuff the ballot box), and post results online. This won’t guarantee that we’ll get those stores, but some merchants may elect to carry useful items along with their usual wares. This could keep residents from having to navigate the Pike to shop.
When these items are available, will it increase the parking problem in Town Center? Recent blog entries about library parking have me concerned that it would. People, remember that the RideOn 45 stops right on the square, and I never have difficulty getting a bike rack. And walking works when we have a parade or fireworks, so try it when you shop.
By Herb Winkler
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Are these rocks really for recreation? I thought a proper jungle gym should be installed. The rocks seem like a let down. I dunno…you are right it is fitting. A pet rock could be our mascot?
I’m glad you chimed in, Dave. I guess we have mixed opinions about rocks. But kids like to climb them. We also have the fountain, so a proper jungle gym seems superfluous in Town Center. The mascot may require some thought. At first glance, rocks may seem unexciting. But rocks come in a variety of forms: from the steadfastness of Gibraltar, to the hurtling asteroid that hit home ending the reign of the dinosaur.
Our motto “Founded Upon a Rock” is a biblical reference, but some may choose a different interpretation, perhaps a major rock, like the 3rd one from the sun, or something else entirely. Let the residents have their say!