Richmond - Open letter to City of Richmond, Re: "Residents rail against park," News, July 11.
We, the residents and the users of South Arm Park, have already made it clear to the board of South Arm Community Centre and the city that we want no changes to the park. We want the park as is - no changes!
A few years ago, a petition was presented to the city to keep the park as is, after being made aware, via the local papers, that a new vision for South Arm Park was being created.
The new vision was comprised of: Artificial turf for the fields; outdoor exercise equipment; jogging tracks; gathering places for various events and concerts; more basketball courts; etc.
This would have destroyed the serenity and tranquility of the park. We said no to this.
All these "brilliant" ideas are apparently coming from the board of the South Arm Community Centre. Then this goes to the city, is reviewed by staff and then voted on by council.
All of this without any consultation from residents and park users.
Now, here is a fenced, offleash dog park, again without consultation with residents and park users.
Of course we need more off-leash areas and dog parks. Dogs need to run, play like us, but the designated location right in the middle of the park does not work - wrong location! So we say no again.
An alternate location is the open space at the north side of the park, next to 9020 Williams Rd.
It is shaded with large trees and has a large open green space. Dogs would love it and the owners as well.
Another alternate location is the big open field on Saunders Road, between Osterley Park and Heritage Park. It is a large area and used by many dog owners.
The reasons why we oppose the chosen location are: Appearance (the beautiful and serene appearance will be destroyed as the chain link fence will be an eyesore and unsightly to look at); impact to the only open space for park users when sports fields are occupied; the noise from dogs barking at all hours of the day will be disruptive to local residents and other park users; parking greatly increases issues to parking on Ryan Road and Mortfield Road and parking lots due to increased non-resident dog owners.
With this public letter, we formally request that the city put a 20-year moratorium on park changes in South Arm Park.
Eve Rollet de Darantes
Richmond
