The circle of life: The fall of the mall means no more... walking?

As walkable neighborhoods receded into memory, people began walking countless circles in shopping malls (my mom used to me a "mall walker"). You knew who they were because they usually moved with great fervor and purpose (as opposed to the "mall zombie walk" favored by actual shoppers).

Now, as mall hours adjust to their new economic reality, "mall walkers" are getting a reality check of their own: they're learning about the concept of public space.

In other words: Malls are NOT public space. Where will they walk now?

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Losing a good place to walk

As a New Year's resolution, were you planning on starting an early morning walking exercise? I hope you weren't thinking of going to the Southridge Mall. Starting Nov. 24, Southridge will not be open for walkers until 8 a.m. This time is too late for all those who must get their exercise in before going to work. Even retirees who do early volunteer work will no longer be able to get their exercise finished.

This decision affects people from Greendale, Greenfield, Milwaukee, Hales Corners, New Berlin, Franklin and I even know some who come in from Muskego. Where else can we go to walk early in safety in the dark and snowy days that are to come?

Mary Van Beek
Milwaukee

Comments

[Sonya]

Why not respond to the letter with your own letter to the editor.... ?