In the past, The Sun has reported on the so called “dog park issue” at Swedes Run in Moorestown Township. I was stunned to see a preview of the outcome a few weeks ago, and wonder why precious open space and historic resources have been squandered and compromised?
As a long time resident, volunteer with both open space and historic society projects of environmental and cultural issues, as well as a practicing archaeologist, I was truly disheartened by seeing the ongoing work at this new incursion into Moorestown’s open space and the Historic Society program at Swedes Run.
The degraded historic view is only more egregious when we consider the potential loss of prehistoric and historic resources at the Swede’s Run setting. The historical ambiance been virtually destroyed, inhibiting any remaining archaeological context related to both prehistoric occupations and the former historic farm complex. (Now sequestered behind a 6-foot cyclone fence in perpetuity.)
The footprint of the dog park has completely encroached on any potential surviving deposits as well as destroyed a heritage pear tree — the only surviving vegetation from this historic cultural landscape. The community should perhaps save the black oak that punctuates the entrance along the road.
Additionally, the area to the west of the barn was known to have revealed evidence of prehistoric sites, scattered across this field from the upland westward to the civil boundary and northward to the Swede’s Run stream corridor wetlands.
It is fervently hoped that the surviving areas around the barn will be more judiciously treated to escape any future impacts to the surroundings. In concert with the Historical Society, I was involved in an ongoing project to establish a dry laid limonite walled garden area to provide a sitting place for visitors to enjoy the setting. It seems that goal has been foreshortened in lieu of the current misguided vision, including a fence that will obstruct the historic patina of a 19th century structure.
I am sorely disappointed with this loss and with the expenditure of tax payer and donation monies that should more appropriately be used to enhance landscapes and natural resources, not to build recreational areas for dogs. Just down the road and in less sensitive and more appropriate settings the county operates two parks where responsible people and animals can recreate.
To be sure this unwanted and destructive intrusion into a cherished place has political and social ramifications; all those proponents will be known and remembered in the next election cycle.
Sincerely,
Jack Cresson
