Friday, June 1, 2007

Camping at Coopers?

Cooper Gulch is home to many flora, fauna, lost drivers, and transient drifters.

Understandably, it's lush accomodations are far more beautiful, spacious, and private than the local homeless shelter. We're aware of the safety issues at the shelter, and if you're trying to stay clean, the shelter is the last place you want to be.

So, if you're planning to camp at Coopers, it helps to follow the Coopers Wilderness Guidelines.

1. Share the park. Not just with golfers, but with the families, joggers, dog walkers, and ball players. It's there more for them than campers, as you know, so a friendly attitude is always prudent.

2. Be cool. The Cooper crew will live and let live, as long as you do. Menacing your girlfriend will get the cops called on you. Twice. So, don't act all scary or be a chump.

3. Be discreet. Sleeping quietly in the bushes is one thing. Setting up camp down on the grass by the bleachers is another. Don't attract attention to yourself. This includes refraining from building a campfire. (Looking at you, #4 B-Position dudes with the sock-drying rack).

4. Be sober. If you can't be responsible for yourself, help is available.

5. Be clean. Tread lightly and remove your waste. There are garbage cans by the parking lot and by the tee of #7, so the Cooper Discourse editorial staff can't really see a reason not to use them.


The old-timers out by #2 and #4 know how to behave. Follow their example! Better still, improve the park. Pick up some trash, break up a fight, keep the riff-raff in line, help a rookie find a driver, whatever you can do. It might even feel good to do good.

Hopefully, the Coopers Wilderness Guidelines will not only enhance your camping experience, but also earn you respect and appreciation from those sharing the park with you.

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