Sending free-range kids down the goat path; Sullivan Renaissance tackles county health woes

LINDA DROLLINGER
Posted 8/21/12

BETHEL, NY — “We’ve unwalked ourselves as a species,” said the fast-talking, race-walking guy with the un-American ideas, biting wit and moustache from a previous century. Mark Fenton …

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Sending free-range kids down the goat path; Sullivan Renaissance tackles county health woes

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BETHEL, NY — “We’ve unwalked ourselves as a species,” said the fast-talking, race-walking guy with the un-American ideas, biting wit and moustache from a previous century. Mark Fenton (www.markfenton.com), former host of the PBS television series “America’s Walking” and keynote speaker at the March 5 Sullivan Renaissance Conference & Expo at Bethel Woods, was explaining why Sullivan County is a model for all that is wrong with modern life.

According to Fenton, American life now revolves around cars and their operating requirements, not people and their needs.

The consequences: physical inactivity, streets hostile to pedestrians and cyclists, and children dependent on parents for transport to and from daily activities.

The results: an obesity epidemic caused in twin parts by physical inactivity and poor nutrition, 365,000 premature deaths per year, and children robbed of spontaneous social and play activities as well as the initiative instilled by walking.

Fenton asked the audience of baby boomers and their elders to close their eyes and recall happy early childhood play. Then he asked them to turn to their neighbors and describe that play activity. Many said stick ball or kick the can. Others said riding a bicycle. Some remembered secret clubhouse meetings and tree fort adventures.

Those activities, Fenton said, made them free-range kids, unlike today’s children who can’t venture out unless a car and licensed driver are available.

The shortcuts, alleyways and trails that kids of yesteryear trod between home and destination are called goat paths, the human equivalent of animal watering hole paths—direct routes to popular destinations.

During Fenton’s two-day walking audit of Sullivan County, he found dozens of goat paths and was nearly arrested—twice. Most paths were inaccessible, blocked by padlocked fences and “No Trespassing” signs. Attempts to navigate them ended in police action—twice.

Fenton believes public policy should honor goat paths as a first step in reclaiming what has been lost to dependence on cars, making them safe and accessible for walkers, cyclists and wheelchairs, and connecting them to sidewalks, transit hubs and recreational trails.

Following Fenton’s presentation, the annual Sullivan Renaissance awards were presented in six categories.

The Spirit Award for outstanding dedication and service went to David Harrington, who started a community garden providing free fresh produce to people served by Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless.

Beaverkill Studio in Parksville and Catskill Mountains Resort in Barryville shared the Transformation Award for substantial renovation best practices that resulted in major aesthetic enhancement.

“A Friend in Need,” a Facebook group started by a few friends that has grown to 4,000 members who daily help neighbors perform large and small chores for each other, received the Collaboration Award.

The Spark Award for young people who make a difference in their communities and germinate volunteerism went to Maura Kelly of Tri-Valley Central School and Erin Sumfleth of Sullivan West High School.

The Center for Discovery’s Hurleyville Renaissance project earned it the Revival Award for outstanding efforts to improve the town’s appearance, commerce and tourism, giving it a renewed sense of place.

The Homestead School in Glen Spey received the Earth Award for commitment to environmental stewardship through education and sustainable practices and for passing that legacy on to the next generations. Opened in 1978, the school’s focus is on experiential learning, academic rigor and character development.

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