Don’t sell out Queen’s Park
Dear Editor:
I read the July 9 article, Get ready for pro soccer, with disbelief.
How could the city consider selling off part of Queen’s Park to a developer?
There are few enough facilities for local residents to use, and now we are considering allowing professional soccer to monopolize one of the best fields in New Westminster.
Nowhere in the city’s Queen’s Park plan, released last year, is this sort of usage discussed. The plan itself states that “it was strongly supported that the ball fields at Queen’s Park stadium remain as existing. The field at the stadium is the only long outfield in New Westminster that can accommodate higher-level baseball.
The fields are in good condition, and this plan recommends that they remain as existing which is supported by residents.”
The plan also cautions that parking cannot be accommodated for more than one event in the park. Traffic has been such a frustration in the city and now we invite more cars to one of the most congested areas.
We have two months during the summer when many are away to “seek consultation.” I do not recall the park plan or school planning ever being railroaded through so quickly.
It reminds me of St. Mary’s Hospital when they were so quick to tear it down that nothing could be done to change the course of the decision.
Why should residents be asked to fast track such a change to accommodate private interests when we do not have a clear idea of the implications, costs or benefits? Baseball for older youth will be lost in this city as there is no other field large enough to play on.
Once again city officials are tripping over themselves to please developers over residents.
Let’s at least have the decency to get the feedback from the community once all the facts are in before we starting ripping out the grass and stands and forever changing the park.
Kathy Petts, New Westminster
