The future of Polson Park should rest in the public’s hands, according to Vernon council. The city will ask the Greater Vernon Services Commission to host an input session before any decisions are made regarding future use of the downtown park. “It shouldn't
be just left to GVSC. It should be left to the citizens,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, during a lengthy debate Monday. The thrust behind the discussion was the recent destruction of the Polson Park grandstand. The arson left a significant part of the park vacant and the adjacent track and football field without a viewing area. While some GVSC officials have suggested in past that the track and field should be removed and Polson Park become more passive, Nicol disagrees. “There should be some ability for covered seating. If we don’t do that, we’re truly clueless,” he said. He also expressed concern that GVSC has already pre-determined what will happen in the park without considering the public’s opinion. “We should have a welcoming mindset,” he said. Coun. Jack Gilroy also pushed for a permanent structure in the park that would include bleachers, a concession and washrooms. “We need to put something there for the people. We need to take the park back,” he said, referring to questionable social activities that occur within the park. While Nicol wanted the city to take an active role on the park, that drew resistance from Coun. Barry Beardsell. “It’s a GVSC issue, distinct from a City of Vernon issue,” said Beardsell. Beardsell also encouraged his colleagues to attend GVSC’s Sept. 28 board meeting, where Polson Park and the grandstand will be on the agenda. “Everyone (politicians) has the right to attend and express their viewpoint. They just don’t have a right to vote,” he said of non-GVSC members. Gary Corner, GVSC chairman, believes the city’s request for a public meeting makes sense. “Polson Park needs some work done on it and this (grandstand fire) may be the thing to kickstart discussions,” he said.
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