It’s time to play ball

By Richard RolkeOct 11 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
There’s no question that arsonists did the Greater Vernon Services Commission a favour during the summer. Many politicians and bureaucrats had long wanted the Polson Park grandstand gone, and thanks to some delinquent with a gas can, dreams came true without them actually having to make the decision. However, GVSC hasn’t gotten off the hook completely. Largely because of pressure from the City of Vernon, GVSC has been forced to go to the public to determine what should happen with the former grandstand site. And while the Oct. 18 session is directed specifically towards the grandstand, it will also largely be a debate about the future of Polson Park itself. That’s not what GVSC officials want, but how do you separate the grandstand issue from the rest of the park? There was a symbiotic relationship between the bleachers and the adjacent track and football field. The grandstand housed change rooms for players while the concession served an array of special events within the park. You can’t deal with one without contemplating the other. Of course the reason some GVSC officials don’t want to talk about the park is because while they were mentally ripping out the grandstand, they also wanted the track and sports field gone. The argument they give is that neither the field or track meet the size requirements for their given sports and, as such, are redundant. However, if you remove those facilities, you risk making Polson Park redundant. Gone will be those very things that bring people into the park. If you were to follow GVSC’s concept of a passive park, all you would have is people wandering around looking at trees and bread-clogged ducks. There’s nothing passive about the playground or water park so they better go to. And the skateboard park? Done like dinner. Anyone who has walked through Polson Park, especially after dark, knows some undesirable things go on there. If there isn’t a public presence, those elements will ultimately take over.Where I do agree with GVSC is that Greater Vernon is woefully underserved when it comes to sports facilities and there is a need for a new football field and track that are not only the proper size, but can host major competitions. But that said, there is still a role for the existing services in Polson. Use may not be constant but the central location is perfect for school track meets, special fundraising runs or residents looking to get in a few laps on their lunch hour. Ours is a growing community and every amenity we can provide is an asset. But that growth also has a downside. Anyone who has purchased a home recently will tell you that property values are through the roof so trying to acquire a large enough tract of land for a sports complex would hit the taxpayers hard. Not to mention that any sizable chunks of land are probably in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and getting them out won’t be that easy. So with that in mind, any chances of Greater Vernon constructing a new sports complex are more long-term than anything immediate. And while that process drags on, the community will still require a track, a football field and a grandstand. It’s time for GVSC to look at the needs of Greater Vernon and get down to business. Build a functionable, scaled-down grandstand, commit to Polson Park as an active venue and let’s play ball.