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Oval lacks community feel

Open letter to city council, As a family who has volunteered much time and has paid taxes to help build the oval, I have had much positive results using it.

Open letter to city council,

As a family who has volunteered much time and has paid taxes to help build the oval, I have had much positive results using it.

My concern is that the oval has failed to develop a real community feel for the average Richmondite. Many people I've spoken with feel there is a snob factor. As a member, I know that the snob factor is minimal - although it is there. Perhaps more time and funds should be spent getting the message out that the oval is for all citizens of Richmond and Vancouver and beyond. Usually the ambiance of an organization is established from both the top down and the bottom up, if allowed to nurture.

I also ask why the oval marketing department has not released even one fitness t-shirt or gym uniform that the public may purchase to support their oval membership. This would generate pride and publicity for the oval and much needed funds to help reduce the taxes that support it.

In two years, my family alone would have purchased at least three or more full sets of work-out gear. Many visitors to the oval would be most happy if they could take home a usable memento from the Olympic oval of Richmond.

Charles Rudd Richmond