Pisgah landfill, park area not a good location for drone park

My name is Michael Smith, a 27-year-old resident of Pisgah. I read your article about the new drone park at the Pisgah park/landfill area [“County to move forward on drone park,” July 6, Maryland Independent]. Thank you for writing this article to inform residents and drone users of this new location. Unfortunately, I, as well as other residents who live close to landfill property, do not agree with this location for a drone park. With private property surrounding the new drone park location including residences and horse farms, there will be many conflicts of interest. My major concern and misunderstanding of the article is “operators must avoid flying over pedestrians and wildlife.” Being an avid outdoors man, I can assure you, wildlife will be harassed in Pisgah Park either knowingly or unknowingly by drone operators with this new proposed drone park. I have seen first hand drones flown inside the Pisgah Park. They are loud and potentially hazardous. Rules are not always followed. Drone operators can leave the designated area as they wish. What would be the repercussions to their actions? This recreational drone park is going to create more issues than resolutions. I absolutely agree that individuals should have the right to operate their drones as they wish, but what is the compromise for all those involved?

Recently, the county has added new equipment to the park. They have set up exercise equipment and playgrounds around the track. As a husband and father of three young boys, I know that my family would feel uncomfortable with drones flying over us, which is exactly what happened the last time we went to the park. We visit the park often. The kids love the playground and my wife loves the track. Add a noisy drone flying over head because someone who refuses to follow rules interrupts our family time.

Because of the park atmosphere, I’m convinced that drone users will get bored flying over a field and start looking elsewhere, such as over wildlife, the park and residences.

A petition against this park will be started today. I have more information to include such as methane well and piping systems on the Pisgah landfill that could create hazardous risk to drone operator safety.

Michael Smith, Indian Head