Walking along West Grand Traverse Bay, I remembered the coal-fired steam power plant that polluted the area. As a result the plant was decommissioned and demolished in the early 2000s.
In its place Traverse City created the Open Space Central Park that has become a public good and a beloved center for public gatherings and meetings, concerts, exhibits and other cultural events.
The astonishingly powerful symbolism of vox populi had come together to demolish the dark debacle of burning poisonous coal emissions.
The local government replaced the coal plant with a wonderful open space on the water enlightened in the plant’s aftermath.
This startling switch magnificently symbolizes the Open Space as a vibrant and healthy cultural venue and a source of light in the wake of darkness of fossil fuels for our society and citizens as a whole moving forward in the 21st century.
Most importantly the origins of open space can be replicated worldwide for more public good.
We must more aggressively transition to plentiful and dynamic renewable sources of energy, including wind, solar, discontinuing gas and diesel combustion for electric vehicle motors and hybrids, safe nuclear power, etc.
When we work together we can erase an ugly, polluting past with centers of enlightenment and thriving culture venues in clean and protected environments.