A wise person said some thing like, “without a vision, the people perish.” In the case of our Dry Canyon, an apt paraphrase might be, “without our vision and care, the canyon will be trashed.”

Since the 1990s, Redmond residents have persistently voiced their desire that the Dry Canyon should be available for all to use and enjoy. Once the last serious private development effort there subsided in 1999, most of the canyon has become a public park.

The city of Redmond heard our chorus, acquired the land for park use, created trails and amenities to meet a variety of recreational needs, and is trying to balance park development with natural area preservation.

On the one hand, the Dry Canyon Park has been a resounding success. More people are using it than ever. It turns out that people want outdoor recreation options where they live — not just in the publicly-owned land that surrounds us.

Alas, in a society where rights are more recognized than responsibility, popularity can easily breed problems.

I like to take quiet nature walks on the north canyon trail. You need to get downtown safely on your electric bike.

Hope Playground is my kids favorite destination and I need adequate nearby parking. I pass near that area while biking/jogging the length of the canyon, and find cars parked everywhere in my path.

I walk the south canyon paved path daily, and wonder why there is a big, fenced off area, that nobody uses. Doesn’t the city ever talk to the owner about a win/win path to public access?

We live on the canyon rim and love to see everyone using the park. We do so ourselves. But why is the city still allowing loud concerts in the summer in Sam Johnson Park? Can’t a city of 40,000 find a public venue that’s not surrounded by residences?

The north dry canyon is a little piece of nature, right in our back yard. I love to explore it on the dirt paths, but am uncomfortable with the unleashed dogs I encounter daily. Don’t their owners believe the rules apply to them?

On top of these specific “user conflicts,” there’s the larger question: Can we continue to use Dry Canyon Park so heavily, and not ruin it’s unique natural beauty?

Perhaps the time has come for Redmond residents to start a conversation with their neighbors. What is your vision for the future of our Dry Canyon? How can we work together to address problems and preserve this wonderful resource?

I’ve been a part of the city’s efforts to preserve and enhance the Dry Canyon Park for many years. I know they are trying to address these issues.

The problem is that rules alone often aren’t enough. Without a culture of caring and responsibility, these things won’t be resolved.

What is needed is a cultural change. That takes time, and a dedicated group to create a vision and spread it throughout our community.

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

If this speaks to you, please join the beginning of a conversation by a newly forming group, Dry Canyon Friends, noon to 1 p.m. at the swimming pool conference meeting room. Together, we can preserve and extend this unique Redmond park.