Weedpharma, there is a lot to be gained from cooperation and shared responsibility. A couple of years ago, we had a neighborhood meeting about problems in a "public access" park area on our lake. This access area was created for the private use of landowners in the developments around the lake and is not open to the general public. However, there was no sign nor gate for access and some local young folks were abusing the use of the park area and creating dangerous campfires and trespassing on people's property. As a group, we thought a sign and a gate might help to control access without having to become confrontational. Several of the neighbors were against the gate because they thought it would restrict their access. However, we determined that there should be no lock on the gate, but rather just a sign to inform people of the park's proper use. Many were skeptical including one of the older residents of the area who seemed to disagree with the idea no matter what. I said I would provide a gate and install it. Another neighbor said they would buy the sign, and a third neigbor volunteered to fix the mudhole and do any dirt work required with his loader/backhoe.
I had an old rusty gate I had taken down on my property. My wife and I sanded that gate down and applied an anti-rust coating and painted it. I bought reflective tape and applied it to the gate so it would easily be seen at night when cars approached. With the help of another TBNer who came to visit in the spring, we installed the gate. I used my tractor and auger to dig postholes and move rocks while the neighbor with the TLB helped dig one very tough post hole for the gate swing post.
In the end, we had a very nice gate installed and I also installed the sign on two posts and a plywood backing. To ensure nobody drove over the sign, I took my tractor and moved rocks to make a pile in front of the sign. (see attachment)
After the gate was installed, the neighbor with the TLB filled in the mudhole nicely and made it drain off so it would not happen again. The neighbor who was so against the gate suddenly reversed his opposition and came down and built a very nice fence to the left of the sign for about 25' to ensure folks would not just drive around the gate. In the end, four of us provided materials and labor to this project and it has worked extremely well to do just what we wanted without restricting anyone in our area from using the park and lake. Because the job was done properly, everyone seems to take pride in the entrance and it hasn't been damaged in any way.
I'm only telling this story to illustrate that sometimes it isn't what you are entitled to do that makes the difference, but a spirit of cooperation and volunteerism that can become a motivation to an entire group of people for the common good. This lake entrance is over 2 miles by road from my house and on the opposite side of the lake from my property. Even so, I'm very proud to have been a part of this project and help create something of value to my neighbors. Sometimes you just have to take the first step and soon others may follow. Even if they don't, it's still a good feeling to know that you've tried to make a difference by being selfless and giving. 'Tis the season...
