He also said he's focused on shaping the future, not rehashing the past. "I am not someone who can whip a crowd into a fury," Kirsch said. "I don't want to." The CA board is working very collegially, he said.
Odum said Wilde Lake Village has become "graceful, mellow and geriatric" over the years, which is why she feels that "tot lot destruction" sends the wrong signal to young families who might like to come to the village. "It's symbolic of taking the wrong direction," she said
She wants more and better playgrounds, she said. She also criticized Kirsch for "standing in the way" of the redevelopment of the nearly half-empty village center. The Giant closed in September 2006, and other stores have followed.
Kirsch said Wilde Lake might lose one or two tot lots in a decade, and they might be replaced with something like a bocce ball court or other recreational facilities. "The short answer is the tot lots aren't being used," he said, and the CA wants to save money on maintenance and replacements. Two villages have already identified tot lots to dismantle, he said, and replacements could include a dog park or a bocce ball court.
"The concept of tot lots are somewhat in the past," he said, adding that mothers now wouldn't allow small children to go play at one by themselves.
"I don't want Wilde Lake to be geriatric," Odum said, adding that she uses tot lots when her grandchildren visit.
Kirsch said he will continue to advocate for a grocery story in a rebuilt Wilde Lake center, whether getting one is feasible or not.
"People have spoken loudly and clearly. They want a grocery." As a representative of the people, he said, he would continue to work to get one.
Odum said David's Natural Market could expand and provide a place to buy groceries.
