Maybe it could become an outdoor classroom space. 

Maybe it could host mountain bike trails. 

Or maybe South Lake Drive could be converted into a footpath dotted with signs describing the history of Echo Lake.

Last week, members of the town’s Open Space Committee held a special outdoor meeting on South Lake Drive and spent about an hour discussing how the recently-closed road could be used in the future. 

The town council is still considering what to do with South Lake Drive — some people in town want to see the one-way road repaired and reopened to vehicle traffic, while others are calling for the road to be permanently closed off to cars and trucks. The council has asked a number of boards and commissions to mull over the issue and offer their opinions.

The Open Space Committee meeting appeared to focus on alternative uses of South Lake Drive.

“What I heard, unanimously, was to try to preserve the space as open space and not to open it back up to automobile traffic,” said Barrington resident and committee chairman Magnus Thorsson. 

People offered a variety of ideas, Mr. Thorrson said. Some wanted to see the invasive plant species removed from around the lake which would allow for better enjoyment; others wanted to create a space for outdoor education opportunities; some called for the installation of signs sharing information about the history of the area; there was a call to create better access for people interested in fishing and bird-watching.

Mr. Thorsson said the group also discussed removing the asphalt along South Lake Drive.

Mr. Thorsson offered his personal opinion: “I think we should turn it back to nature as much as we can with an eye toward utility for all the outdoor interest groups in Barrington, in accordance with the open space plan,” he said. “I’m hopeful that it will happen. We’re going to have to spend some money to make it right.”

The different town boards are supposed to submit their work to the town manager by April 28.

Differing opinions

Twice in the last two weeks, residents have written letters to the editor calling for the road to be re-opened to vehicle traffic.

Wrote Katheryne Rosener: “When Councilor Carl Kustell drove down South Lake Drive and declared it was too dangerous to keep open, I hope he asked himself how did this happen. How did this road become so dangerous and deplorable? How did Barrington forget to care for this road? The road in my opinion is unsafe at this point for running, walking or riding a bike. I firmly believe the town should fix the road so that we can all enjoy this iconic place in Barrington. The repairs should allow cars to once again drive down this beautiful road.”

Ann Mason offered this: “Several years ago I met with (town manager) Jim Cunha for a discussion regarding about the condition of South Lake Drive. It is a responsibility of our town to keep up our roads even minimally. This has not happened for South Lake Drive for many years. Mr. Cunha told me that even, any upkeep is too expensive, but that year, some filling of the worst areas was done. Since then, little, if any work seems to have been carried out. It really is in a sorry state. Very recently, a Barrington Town Council member, drove around it, and declared it dangerous. That is because nothing has been done there to even minimally fill the worst areas.”