Hunter Lake dam is dead. The Corps of Engineers decision that the environmental impact statement is out of date could add years and millions of dollars to the project. Even some of its strongest backers are saying it's time to abandon this decades-old idea.
Opponents have conclusively shown that Springfield's water needs can be met by less expensive alternatives, including conservation programs. The only remaining rationale for the project's existence is that a relatively small number of people will make a mint building it.
Next, the city must decide what to do with the property it purchased for the dam project. Sheila Stocks-Smith became the first mayoral candidate to raise the possibility of selling the land to the state for the creation of a park or preserve. The state has dedicated land acquisition funding for the creation of parks and conservation areas. Selling it for that purpose would create the kind of recreation area that Hunter Mud Puddle wouldn't be.
Most cities and tourist attractions of Springfield's size have a major site for hiking and other outdoor recreation. Turning the land into a state natural area is the kind of quality-of-life improvement that will attract more residents, businesses, and visitors to the area.
Selling the property piecemeal to private buyers would be a wasted opportunity. It's encouraging to see Stocks-Smith show support for a big idea that would have a significant impact on Springfield's future.