Saturday, June 28, 2008

Parks in Woodstock - for the Public?




Just what's up with the huge land grab by the City of Woodstock for "parks". (click on photo to enlarge for easier reading)

Check out this "friendly" sign next time you are in Emricson Park. What message does it really convey to you?
When you hear about more soccer fields, do you realize that they are being placed on City land, created with City dollars (your dollars) and then leased out to leagues for soccer games?

Should the City be in the business of creating playing space for organized play/leagues (only), charging the leagues for the use of City property, and then restricting the use of City property so that residents cannot go to the parks and use those huge, beautiful, green fields for enjoyment?

The amateur sports business is big business. Just ask any family with kids who play soccer. How much does it cost to participate? Membership fees, team fees, uniform costs, transportation, practice times, game times, participation rules.

You'd better keep off these fields. They have to be "maintained." The grass has to grow back before next week's game.

Your thoughts?
© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT

2 comments:

Richard W Gorski, M.D. said...

If its a PUBLIC PARK and FIELD maintained with tax dollars from the public it should be OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. If the City wants to lease some time to private enterprise to keep the costs down to the PUBLIC then fine ...but when not used at specific times and dates by private enterprise (as per contract agreement) it should be OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Gus said...

Do you think it cost any extra to get the word "receptacle" misspelled?