Scott Woods is a scenic area of Lansing forested with huge beech trees and containing a couple small lakes. I often enjoyed riding on the rough dirt trails on my mountain bike. About 10 years ago, they put an extension of the Rivertrail through there and while they were at it, they paved most of the other paths as well. They also fenced off one of the little lakes to make a dog park. I used to sit there, usually alone, but also became friends with a kid who fished there.

I was actually quite angry at the time. I really missed the solitude as many more people came in once the trails were paved. I even lost touch with my little fisher friend.

Like you, I felt a little guilty about my anger. I also felt like I was becoming one of those reactionaries who get cranky about any progress that opens up "my" little part of the world to more people. But I still miss the way Scott Woods was before they paved the trails.

I have to admit that some good came of it. I see people in wheelchairs on the trails, as well as the elderly and a lot more little kids. And I don't have to ride a mountain bike to go through there any more. My guess is that a lot of carfree people use these trails because they connect the city to an adjoining park that has a beach, sledding hill, and many more recreation activities.