I am writing about a stumbling block amid the many wonderful walking opportunities in Kingston.

For those who don’t remember, over the last 20-plus years volunteers have worked with the Public Utilities District, or PUD, and Nature Conservancy to save and improve a beautiful wooded section of trails next to downtown Kingston.

Historically, the primary access was through the PUD gate at the end of Kingston Bay View Estates’ parking lot. Over the years, volunteers have created other access points from Ohio, Fourth and 272nd so that several scenic walking loops were created.

The problem for walkers is that over the last year the Kingston Bay View Estates homeowners association has tried to cut off this access.  They have pressured the PUD to build a new fence and locked gate. They have piled brush around the ends of the fence, put up signs and made calls complaining to various volunteers associated with the trails.

Every time I walk past this fortified boundary, I am saddened that a few condo owners have acted in a way that is diminishing to Kingston. This narrow focus on property rights and security loses sight of the equally important value of the common good.

I am sorry if the idea of walkers passing through has caused a few people some inconvenience, but I appeal to those residents of Kingston Bay View Estates to bring this issue to your meeting and consider re-opening access to the trails.  It would be greatly appreciated and would benefit the larger community.

Alan Chessman
Kingston