Dear Editor,
Re: “Does the City of Richmond have an anti-hockey agenda?,” Letters, July 13.
I am writing in regard to the gentleman who wrote in last week because he was upset the South Arm hockey area (formerly lacrosse) had lines for three pickleball courts painted on it.
Although I play pickleball there, I totally understand his frustration and would like to offer a solution to the City of Richmond.
Not far from this area, to the east, is a derelict batting cage.
Living close to the park, I walk by it frequently and years ago I saw it used – once.
It is now a total eyesore. South Arm park is home to numerous baseball fields - none of which were used for games this year.
I propose the city turn the eyesore of a batting cage into a hockey arena. The kids from Whiteside Elementary would have access during recess and lunch and it is easily accessed from the parking lot for the public.
The city says it does not want to use up any green space for sports, but with the area not being used for baseball, it is….just lawn.
Surely it is of greater use for the population to play a game than walk by grass.
If this was done the pickleball courts in the hockey court (which are presently just lines with portable nets) could be properly finished and address the lack of courts here in Richmond.
Let’s enable the kids and adults to play the sports they love!
Deb Brodie
