Editor:
On Friday, Aug. 2 there was a most delightful show going on at Memorial Park. It had nothing to do with the excellent entertainment provided by the BIA, but it was due to all the families who came out to the White Rock Promenade to enjoy “Summertime in the City.”
Dozens of children from toddlers to pre-teens were “barefoot in the grass.” Memorial Park was alive with families enjoying the wonders of our White Rock waterfront. You can see this scene replay on almost any sunny weekend or weekday.
As I watched year-old babes walking barefoot in the nice clean grass, older toddlers in rolling competitions, pre-teens involved in a game somewhat like the old hacky sack (but a much newer edition), I marveled at what a wonderful space this had become. Then I was reminded of the very sad changes that are going to take place on our promenade and in Memorial Park and Totem Park, too.
White Rock council had decided to reopen the possibility (after decades of just saying no to dogs on the promenade and all the grassy areas along it) of allowing dogs free range to the complete area. Why should this bother anyone?
Well, in a previous PAN letter, by Patrica Kealy Goose or dog – problem persists, Aug. 14, the nastiness of dog feces and residual bacteria was described.
Not to mention the “ick” factor of those little baby feet stepping into any of the residue.
There is also now only one grassy area in East Beach, where spreading out your blanket and watching young ones doing summertime activities like somersaults and head stands can be enjoyed. And the dog people want to walk their dogs through this area from the beach, sometimes dropping feces and urine on the way through. Why not just stay on the cement pathway?
I am saddened by the way some members of this council are treating this issue.
Anyone who disagrees with this new project is treated in such disrespectful ways, it is incomprehensible. Stating your opposing point of view in council presentations can get you subjected to scorn and worse.
Not very democratic for our elected officials, if you ask me. Two people who did presentations in front of council were reprimanded by one of the councillors.
I would think councillors should be open and positive about White Rock residents expressing their opinions. As a resident of this area since 1965, and even as a Grade 13 student at the old Semiahmoo High School, I am dismayed by the lack of courteous behavior shown by some of the members of this council.
Yes, times are changing, but there is still nothing so sweet as families enjoying a barefoot run through the grass in “Our City by the Sea.”
Susan Potzold, White Rock