Dear Editor:
To be clear, I am not in favor of the Whitecaps U19 proposal. I agree with the arguments that we don't have financials or artists renderings to intelligently base our decision. We are also being pressured by a third party to make a decision based on their timeline. I find it hard to believe that Bob Lenarduzzi and John Furlong, who himself brought the Olympics to Vancouver, don't have money or drawings prepared.
But I'd like to speak to my neighbors in New West who are in favor of this plan by offering some alternative options for the 'Caps.
I recently attended a great block party in Sapperton on Fader Street. What a great event and nice neighborhood. Why don't we move the Whitecaps there? We could rip out Hume Park school, as it's tiny and completely underutilized. We could use the huge and wide open space of the park to make a great facility. Excellent access from Columbia, people could park on the streets, a few trees can come out, and voilà! This would be a huge asset to all of us.
Over in the West End, my mind turns to Grimston Park. My son played baseball there this year. It's a great park built into a hill that would make a great natural amphitheatre for a new stadium for the U19 team! We could excavate right along Seventh Avenue and build a concession stand that wouldn't even obstruct your view. Easy access from 20th Street and Skytrain makes this a great option!
Now, Mercer Stadium is another great call. It's already a stadium, and it's on two major cross streets. Who cares what Burnaby thinks? Plus we can just move football to another location - I'm sure they'd be just fine. Really - who even watches those kids play?
Wait! What about Queensborough Community Centre? It has naturally flat land, with great access. This would keep costs to a minimum. Plus the casino is close by for some side bet action on these youngsters. Why not use this area for the stadium?
Of course, now I've made enemies of my neighbors. For those of you reeling in horror that I would even suggest we gut your beloved local park, and hang it out as a mockery of its original intention - please take a moment to see this proposal from our point of view. I live across the street from Queen's Park and I feel the same way.
We don't know enough to say yes, but we sure know enough to say no.
Dominic Rubino
