Grand Canyon Skywalk: Eyesore Or Marvel?
Plans for a massive glass skywalk over the Grand Canyon, hotels, and a golf course are aimed at revitalizing a small reservation but critics say the development will commercialize a natural and national treasure.
Perched over the Grand Canyon close to a mile above the Colorado River, a massive, multimillion-dollar glass walkway will soon open for business as the centerpiece of a struggling Indian tribe's plan to lure tourists to its remote reservation."
"If the tribe's plans come to fruition, the Skywalk will be the catalyst for a 9,000-acre development, known as Grand Canyon West...Tribal officials say the development, which may eventually include hotels, restaurants and a golf course, is the best way to address the social ills of a small reservation, where the 2,000 residents struggle with a 50% unemployment rate and widespread alcoholism and poverty.
But off the reservation, many people regard the development and especially the Skywalk as tantamount to defacing a national treasure."
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Skywalks over Grand Canyon
How would people and planners feel if one were to suggest a ring of skywalks around TajMahal or the Sphinx or the Pyramids in Egypt?
One could have shopping arcades and restaurants within the skywalks. A sidewalk restaurant on a moving walkway could afford a 360 degree view of the monuments from above, a rare treat!
Is this the solution to improve the lot of the "Reservation" bound American Indians? Their socio-economic development can be possible only after they are taken out of these so called reservations and assimilated in the mainstream of the American civilization.
We would certainly be crossing the ultimate limit if we even think of such crass commercialization of our national treasures and monuments!
Prakash M Apte
Skywalks over Grand Canyon
How would people and planners feel if one were to suggest a ring of skywalks around TajMahal or the Sphinx or the Pyramids in Egypt?
One could have shopping arcades and restaurants within the skywalks. A sidewalk restaurant on a moving walkway could afford a 360 degree view of the monuments from above, a rare treat!
Is this the solution to improve the lot of the "Reservation" bound American Indians? Their socio-economic development can be possible only after they are taken out of these so called reservations and assimilated in the mainstream of the American civilization.
We would certainly be crossing the ultimate limit if we even think of such crass commercialization of our national treasures and monuments!
Prakash M Apte