Preserving a respite from the chaos

OUR OPINION
Published: August 19, 2008

The Manassas National Battlefield Park is an oasis in the desert of development that is Northern Virginia.

Inside its grounds one can almost imagine what life was like before cars, malls and commerce became the dominant features in the landscape of life.

Efforts to preserve the historic nature of the battlefield have gone on for years — some good, some misguided. The National Park Service cut down more than 140 acres of rare oak trees at the battlefield
to preserve the view of a Civil War battle. We thought that was a ridiculous move.

Preserving the battlefield land as a monument and an educational tool is a boon to the 21st century public. It gives us a place to imagine and learn about the Civil War, but we don’t have to tear down
nature to preserve it.

But what’s done is done.

Other preservation efforts make more sense to us. The park and Prince William County planning departments are trying to find ways to protect the views on the battlefield. As development in the area
surrounding it grows, there is more chance of an impact to the battlefield. So, the planning departments will do a study to attempt to guide development outside the park, and hopefully limit road
construction and the height of office parks, apartment buildings and billboards.

The whole point of the battlefield is to give people a park, an escape from the hubbub of ordinary life, a return to nature and a tool to remember the past. If the outside world grows so big that it begins to
invade the view of the park, then the purpose of the battlefield will be diluted.

As much as possible, we think the peace and integrity of the park should be preserved. Developers will always be seeking a way to expand and grow; it is the juggernaut of capitalism. But, our leaders
must find a way to stop this force when necessary, and in the case of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, it is essential.

We hope county and park officials can find a way to keep the battlefield as it is, so that our children may have the opportunity to gather the peace of stillness and contemplation that comes from it.