EDITOR,

Last year at this exact time, district staff was approached by the Squamish Valley Equestrian Association (SVEA) requesting permission to build a covered arena at our riding club. We were told that all decisions regarding land use in this area would be put on hold until soon-to-be-announced Parks and Recreation Master Plan was completed by the consultants who were hired by the District (Eric Lees Associates). That final plan is expected to be presented next month. I certainly hope that a backroom deal has not been worked out between the District and other groups, especially if it affects our riding club. The SVEA was strongly represented at all of the open houses that were held to discuss the future plans for Squamish’s parks and recreation facilities. Any plans to move our club was vehemently opposed. It would break my heart if the sport of choice for many children and adults in our community had to be sacrificed in order to host a music festival once or twice a year. It would be more beneficial to support our club, allow it to remain where it is, allow us to construct a covered arena which could certainly be used by the music festival organizers to house their construction and support crew. There are over 100 children who are riding members of our club and our numbers are increasing each year. It is my understanding that the number of children who play baseball (not adults who play slo-pitch) are decreasing each year. Equestrian sports are a healthy and beneficial recreational activity and deserve to be recognized and supported by the District.

Katie Matthews

Squamish