When I was a kid growing up in Madison, my family spent countless days at the town's beaches swimming, sailing, and barbecuing. After two decades of living in many parts of the U.S. and abroad, last year my husband and I decided to come back to Madison to raise our two young children. Like many who were raised here, it was not until I traveled the world that I fully appreciated what a special place Madison is, in large part because of the access to the shoreline.

I had not really focused on the value of the old Griswold Airport until we took a tour of the property two weeks ago. As soon as I opened the car door, the kids took off ahead of us, running across the vast field toward the pristine salt marsh. I was immediately sold.

I am grateful to the Madison voters who had the foresight to purchase the land that is now the Surf Club some 40 years ago. Just as I could not imagine our town without the Surf Club, I look forward to the day when my own children will not be able to imagine Madison without the Griswold open space. On Jan. 26, Madison voters have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect this beautiful resource. I am voting "Yes." I know my children will thank me one day.

Lydia Williams

Madison