Just a friendly request to Big John and the folks that set up Town Park. PLEASE oh PLEASE return the metal boundary fence along the access road to OUTSIDE of the split rail wood fence. The relocation of that fence last year was a severe bummer and impeded our friend Kenny (who uses a wheelchair) from easy access around our campsite. Pretty please with sugar on top!
Fuzzy of the Herd
I’d like to 2nd that motion! I know that T.Tom, Jerry, and Karlos were all underwhelmed at the fence location last year as well.
Unfortunately, it’s not a decision that Planet Bluegrass staff can make. 
It’s all up to the manager of Town Park itself, and he felt we were “damaging” his wooden fence. Hopefully he’ll be a bit kinder this year, but don’t hold your breath. :flower
Can you get his name Tom?
Maybe we could all pen a well thought heartfelt letter to him about the subject.
Heck - I’d even be willing to volunteer some time to help fix the fence or improve it’s structural integrity. We could do the work before or after the festival.
:cheers :cheers :cheers
Then again, Planet Bluegrass could elect to NOT put up the chain link fence in that section. After all, none of us is going to sneak past it to go back stage. :flower
With the exception of the area where Kenny camps, I wouldn’t have minded the fence so much if it had been SHORTER!!! Having to look through the chain link to watch the shows from our living room/picking tent was a real BUMMER!!!
Auntie Hope :pickin
in addition to protecting the wood fence, i believe the chain link fence is there to direct traffic flow in and out of the designated entrance, which in turn protects said fence…
i think in past years, people were using the fence as anchor/support points. i don’t think any amount of letters, no matter who nicely worded, will change Q’s mind.
How about if they put up one of those “wireless” fences? That will solve Auntie Hope’s issue of the chainlink fence blocking her view and we can all wear those shock collars to keep us away from the split rail.
I’m with hooch on this one, they could actually integrate the shock thing into the wrist band!
ehe… let’s go with the collar for Hooch. :evil
It wasn’t just my problem. Ask Rick how he felt about the fence.
Auntie Hope :pickin
i thought there was talk about building some kind of bandstand for seating overlooking the fence?
:rolleyes
I’m with Hope on this one, a shorter chain link would be much less oppressive. Even if you needed to put a taller one along the road at that stretch. Quality counts. You could even put one of those roll up pickets on the camping side of the wooden fence if it’s cheaper. That tall fence is just wrong - and an uncreative solution that is anything but the festivarian spirit we work :huh so hard to keep strong all year round :flower. I can’t believe that is the only solution. How much would a second shorter chain link fence cost the festival, we could have a fence drive. The festival pays for the taller fence on the street, and lets us know how much the shorter fence is to preserve the wood fence.
Or the Planet could just pay for the shorter fence and the staff could come by and enjoy the amazing cuisine at Run a muck, the over the top picking circles generated by the festi-love of the music, the unending support we all love to show them, and what the heck, we could throw in free toe jobs.
The planet staff might not be making this decision, but I’m betting they have more direct contact with the park staff that is making the decision. They could try to sway them with some of their festivarian influence and pixie dust.
Imagine if someone in Lyons could decide to throw up a chain link fence along the river to preserve the river. Wouldn’t you think there would be a better solution? It’s not like we are on that side of the fence and not purchasing festival tickets, it’s just a different vantage point. And it’s not like people with TP tickets aren’t completely welcome just about anywhere you go. I’m convinced, anyone else?
YES! THANKS FOR THE BACK UP YOUR COURTNESS!!!
Auntie Hope :pickin
not to be the bubble buster here, but the fence reality is one of control and protection. the fence is delivered by truck and i doubt changing the order for a handful of shorter pieces is worth the effort, if the fence company even has any. also, the run-a-muck kitchen does not want to entertain feeding the staff; prep, storage, and capacity would need to increase to the point where jerry would never see a set. i love coming to run-a-muck, when i do, visiting is primary and music is secondary. so, if you want to see, go inside. i know, easy for me to say, as a non TP camper( i wish i could see anything from the river, where i seem to spend a good amount of time :thumbsup) you guys have the best seats ‘out of the house’, embrace it.
again, i’m aware this is all fun and frivolous, but i’m pretty sure the fence you have, you have for life.
I have to clarify, I didn’t intend for Jerry to cook for everyone, just as he always has been, generous within reason. My thoughts were not to complain, as much as to kindle the fires for a better solution. The fence just appeared last year so it’s not a huge tradition. I also see and appreciate the preservation of the very cool wood fence. I guess the stubborn part of me says if there is a will, there is a way. This should be our biggest controversy :eek,
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:toejob :kiss :budumdum :dancing :hug :dog :sunshine :clap :hop :drunk :drive :flight :cheers
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Miki, we’re talkin’ about another fence…
JohnR, there were MANY suggestions about trimming the fence last year to a shorter height within Camp Run-A-Muck, Hippo Campus, Town Hall and all other visiting camps. A three foot or even a four foot fence would be plenty high to arrive at the desired goal of protecting the split-rail fence. If I understand correctly 2007 was the first year of the obstructed view from the hill. We only aim to be able to sit in the picking tent and look out over the festival field.
Just so everyone understands, we have several campers/visitors with health issues that can not always make it down to the festival field, or stay on the festival field during the crowded evening performances. We would just like those folks to be able to see the shows without having to look through a six foot chain link fence. We are in full agreement that the Town Park split-rail fence should have protection from the masses, and that can be done with a lower fence.
Auntie Hope :pickin
Just to clarify for those of you that have not attended very many years in Town Park; the fence has always been there, it was just on the other side of the wooden fence (after it was put up) until 2007.
I don’t want to raise a ruckus on this issue and have it bite us in the butt later. :flower
At least it’s chain link fence that we can see through. :thumbsup
thanks tom, i should have made that indication in my post. the fence was at/near the bottom of the incline, so it’s visual impact was nill, to those at higher(intended) elevation. something must have happened to have Q direct that the metal fence protect the wood fence.
I know (some) of the disabled festivarians referenced, and understand their challenges, one of them being a non-elevated, over-run with fully functional people, viewing area.
hope, with amazing amount of talent in the combined mentioned camps, i’m fully expecting to see an elevated viewing platform this year to counteract the diminished view. in all seriousness, i will add whatever labor is needed to achieve same(as long as it doesn’t take me away from my planet job. meaning late afternoon construction)
Are Tree Houses allowed in Town Park??? :lol
Thanks to everyone for the input! :flower
To Planet Bluegrass and Mr. Q.:
If at all possible, could we please have a lower fence line that would also help us protect the split-rail fence.
Thank You! :wave
Auntie Hope :pickin