Public Viewing Areas

[David Oesper]

Even if you are fortunate to live near an area with a view of the night sky that is not heavily light polluted, it is often exceedingly difficult to find a place where you can go to set up a telescope or lawn chair for observing at any hour of any night.

One service a dark-sky community could provide is a safe public place where anyone can come to view the night sky.

A nominal fee could be charged, because, after all, the dark-sky community is going to need to generate revenue in a number of ways so it can continue to thrive.  An annual membership fee and single-use fee similar to what is done at state parks and national parks would be a good model to follow.

[David Oesper]

I would suggest a large fenced and gated area that you can drive into and out of that is designed to shield the viewing area from vehicle lights in the parking area and ingress and egress points.

The gate to the public viewing area would have a card reader to allow access.  Each user would purchase a reusable access card from the dark-sky community that can be programmed annually or for single-night usage.

A toilet facility should, of course, be provided for the convenience and necessity of those using the public viewing area.

[David Oesper]

Onsite lodging (for a fee) should be available near the public viewing area within the dark-sky community for those who would like that convenience.