During the general public comment period Nov. 4 several residents and community organizers urged the commission to preserve Enterprise South Nature Park and oppose proposals to remove federal protections from peripheral acreage adjacent to the park.

Nathan Griffin, co‑founder of Save Enterprise South, presented economic arguments against industrial conversion, citing recent local studies and interviews with newcomers that say outdoor recreation and access to nature are primary drivers for in‑migration. ‘‘The data is clear. Outdoors beats industry and Enterprise South Nature Park is one of the greatest economic engines this county already has,’’ Griffin told the commission.

Other speakers who said they live adjacent to the park said industrial development would reduce property values, change neighborhood character and harm wildlife and waterflow. Gloria Culpepper said homes and families that border the park would be negatively affected, and Michael Holloway and Mark Crandon urged the commission to respect deed restrictions and federal conveyance language that they said reserve the land for public park and recreation uses.

Why it matters: Speakers argued that the county’s long‑term competitiveness for residents and businesses relies on quality‑of‑life amenities such as large, protected natural areas and trails, and warned that industrial acreage adjacent to the park would undermine that asset. Commenters asked for direct meetings with commissioners and county staff to discuss the issue further.

Legal point raised: A commenter quoted language he said was in the original federal conveyance, including a clause that the property ‘‘shall not be sold, leased, assigned, or otherwise disposed of except to another eligible government agency that the secretary of interior agrees in writing can assure the continued use and maintenance of the property for public park and public recreation purposes subject to the same terms and conditions in the original instrument of the conveyance.’’ Commissioners did not take formal action on the topic during the meeting.

What’s next: Commenters said they had sent written requests and contact information to the commission and asked for follow‑up meetings with commissioners and staff.