Skateboard open house draws mixed reactionno residential within 1,000 feet of it, so I dont By David Leasee any complaints coming. Youve got com-OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFmercial to the north, institutional to the south Opponents and supporters of making Glen and east. You have a site thats full of existing Abbey Park a permanent skateboard facility facilities such as baseball and tennis. I think its expressed their views at an open house hosted an ideal site and I dont see why this shouldnt by Town staff Thursday night.proceed, said Didiano. It was sad the former The popular skate park was in West Oak one had to be removed. I didnt agree with that, Trails Park, but was dismantled last June after I think it was more NIMBYism than anything. area residents complained about noise and Not everyone at the open house had positive inappropriate youth activity at the facility.things to say about the proposed skate park.Council planned to move the skateboard Pat Connor, who lives in an apartment com-facility to Palermo Park, however, this idea was plex near Glen Abbey Park, objected to the DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVERcancelled due to safety concerns and a lack of skate park on a number of grounds.adequate pedestrian access along the north side I think theyre very dangerous for one SKATEBOARD PARK REVIEWS:Matthew and Luca Murray and Daniel Persoalo exam-of Dundas Street, near the Palermo Park site.thing. The money theyve put into this is outra-ine plans for the proposed Glen Abbey Park skateboard facility at a recent open house.The skateboard facility was temporarily geous. They dont even know how many kids relocated to the Glen Abbey Community Centre are going to be using it so I just think this is a parking lot for five weeks during the summer poor way to spend our tax dollars, said Connor. Palermo and has since been put back in storage pending That park is an awful hangout at night. Its the location of a permanent home.terrible the stuff that goes on there and I think Professional CentreNearby Glen Abbey Park is now being con-this is just going to make it worse.sidered as that permanent home, an idea that is The skate park cost $110,000 to be estab-DUNDAS & OLD BRONTE ROADwelcomed by many area youths.lished at West Oak Trails Park.Its a great idea. Skateboarding is something While Town staff previously said it would kcost around $52,000 to create a new cement 1ids really enjoy and I think this is really impor-10 2REBtant because kids in Glen Abbey really dont have pad for the skate park and to move it to the MECE Da place to skateboard right now. They have to trek Palermo location, they haven't said how much GINMOCdown to Shell Park or go to the one near the it would cost to move it to Glen Abbey Park.Power Aid Centre, said local skater David Watson, Ward 4 Town and Regional Councillor Allan 15, at the open house at the Glen Abbey Community Elgar said it has been a struggle trying to find a Centre. solution that everyone can live with.This is really important to me and thats why What Im hearing so far is, its a mixed bag. I came tonight.The people that seem to be primarily against it Kyle Carenza, 15, echoed Watsons senti-are the ones at Bishops Gate in the condos. ments. The teen said he and his friends now Well do a measurement, but I think theyre skateboard in front of buildings and other around 250 metres away. A lot of people think places where they are regularly asked to leave.its a good idea because its close to a rec centre, Having a place to skateboard in peace where theres going to be a lot of other people around, they dont bother anyone would be a welcome which should cut down on the issues that were change, he said.experienced at West Oak, said Elgar.Reuben Taylor, 15, also endorsed the Glen The community police officer also has an Abbey Skate Park. He said there is a value to office in this building, so that will hopefully skateboarding.curb (the late-night partying) issue. What do 75,000 sq. ft. Medical/ Professional 5 storey It gives us something to do other than play-you do? Its so hard because the kids need ing video games, said Taylor. We actually stay something to do.building. Currently 40% Leased - Pharmacy, fit skateboarding.Town staff will be taking comments on this Blood Lab, X-Ray & Diagnostic, Optometrist, Area skateboarders were not the only ones issue for the next two weeks before making any giving the skate park the thumbs up.kind of recommendation to council.Physiotherapy Clinic & Family Physicians.Area resident Peter Didiano said he sees These comments can be e-mailed to flocon-nothing wrong with moving the skateboard te@oakville.ca or faxed to 905-338-4188 or LEASING INQUIRIES 905-827-4441 facility to Glen Abbey Park.written comments can be dropped off at the I think its the ideal location for it. 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