Think of the possibilities a property with the historical significance of Dyer Memorial could have on this area’s tourism industry. We’re not talking about a small slab of manicured park. We’re talking about 100 acres of wilderness anchored by a fantastic garden with a love story that haunts even the staunchest cynic amongst us when it comes to matters of the heart.

The residents of Huntsville have very few opportunities when it comes to real park and walking trail settings that don’t abut a highway, an extremely developed area, or a sewer treatment facility.

Dyer Memorial, on the other hand, is the hidden jewel that crowns any visit to this area. Those who know about the property don’t miss the opportunity to take their guests there as part of their community tour and the visits always seem to be awe-inspiring and memorable.

We often tend to forget the Dyer even exists. That is because it really is one of our best- kept secrets, nestled among the trees a fair distance down Williamsport Road ¬– even the sign directing you to the site is easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully.

It would truly be a shame if the municipality were to miss the chance to take ownership of the property. The municipality is already in the business of conducting wedding ceremonies; think of the photo opportunities it could market there. It could conduct guided tours and incorporate the property into its summer recreation programming.

While the property does need a little TLC, we’re not sure what bringing it up to municipal standards means. Its charm is the fact that it is nestled in a natural wilderness setting. And as for insurance and liability, well, there’s a risk factor in everything, but that should never be used as an excuse not to embark on new opportunities. If we can maintain areas like the Lion’s Lookout and our sister municipality can maintain vast tracts of public land and walking trails along the Oxtongue Rapids, surely insuring the Dyer is attainable.

Perhaps the memorial could be placed in a heritage trust to save on some of the property taxes and truly marketed as a sight to see. If it means an additional $10 on our annual property tax bill to count that property as one of our own, sign us on. It would be a shame to miss the opportunity.

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