On Feb. 14, I sat at an information meeting at Howe Sound Brew Pub, listening to a group of adults explain to the community that they were building a skate bowl under Quest University for experienced skaters to use when the weather was bad.
At this meeting I learned that the group had designed a bowl that would allow one experienced skater at a time and that the group had all the needed product and materials and money to move forward. So if that is the case, why a year later are they asking for donations? And more importantly, why are we taxpayers just finding out now, in a news article, that the group plans to hand the park back to the District of Squamish after one year?
I have heard many residents around town speak of the cutbacks in funding for their local, existing parks and for community groups, but yet it is okay to put taxpayers’ money towards a park that does not meet site qualifications? I understand that we live in a city whose motto was “the outdoor recreation capital of the Canada,” but this does not mean that we should be ignoring very important safety concerns. Yes, every sport and site has risks, but they are not necessarily located in a residential neighbourhood where children who are not qualified to use it live. It makes absolutely no sense.
On that note, don’t we live in Canada for the enjoyment of all four seasons? I love to ski, but I don’t expect Squamish to get a snow machine so I can enjoy my sport in the summer, especially at the cost of my fellow neighbours. I embrace the fact that I have the opportunity to take on more than one activity a year.
If the group wants to be out of the rain without causing issue with the citizens in Squamish they should either cover part of the existing, already paid for park, or talk to the indoor bike park about joining forces. It is not too late to bring this new information back to council and make a more sound decision that all people can agree on and enjoy in a safe manner.
It is time for Squamish council to let people know that we have a process, it must be followed for a reason and those who don’t follow it will not be tolerated.
Tonya Clark
Squamish
