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Pointes' restricted access
That’s because there are extremely few places to stop and get out.
To a Canadian, used to Windsor’s accessible shoreline and more than 200 parks, the restrictions are shocking. Indeed there are signs all along Jefferson, which becomes Lake Shore Rd. and then Jefferson again, that strictly prohibit access to the park-like shore. It’s tempting to want to stop and have a picnic. But signs specifically prohibit even that activity. What about using one of the municipalities’ official parks? Nice idea. But if you’re a non-resident you can forget that as well. If you try to use a park you’ll be greeted by a staffer who will quickly inform you that if you are not a resident and don’t have a pass you can turn your car around. A spokesman for the Grosse Pointe parks department said the restrictions are for a good reason. He said the Pointes have very few parks with limited land so they must restrict access. “Everything in the park is paid for by city resident tax dollars. Considering the size of the Grosse Pointes and the parks’ sizes, the parks really aren’t big enough to host any more than city residents themselves.” Asked if this was an attempt to keep out unsavoury characters from other parts of metro Detroit, he repeated, “Everything is paid for and maintained by tax dollars. That’s the justification behind why we restrict it to taxpaying individuals.” But the official added that there are a few parks which don’t require a pass to enter. One in his city allows “anybody in the (general) Grosse Pointe area use of its tennis courts.” But notice he said “Grosse Pointe area.” That’s still off limits to humble travellers from abroad. WindsorOntarioNews |
