I am a resident of the Highland neighbourhood (raised and now raising my own kids in a home that backs on to the field). I have been a strong supporter of making community use of the Highland space, but have been disappointed that it has become more of an office space that community hub.
The recent transformation of the tennis courts to a parking lot has been one loss that has left ourfamily in quite a shock.I have heard that the school district is now trying to say that tearing down the tennis court has always been in the plans however, I attended
multiple community meetings regarding the "Highland Community Centre" and the exact opposite was stated. Drawings of potential parking lot was circulated at one meeting, with the tennis courts still in tact, however, due to what I assume where financial reasons, those plans were scrapped and the tennis courts torn down as an ill-suited solution. I can recall multiple conversations at these meetings around how to get the ice rinks back up and going, and the response was that this would not be a problem (just to go through he community assoc. or the city) with never any mention that the tennis courts should be off limits due to liability reasons. It was also discussed that the YMCA required that fence space to meet licensing requirements for their child-care centres (further indicating no intention of tearing them down). We believe it is shameful that such a step has occurred in our neighbourhood without any opportunity of input from those in the community that have been effected.
My husband and I, our four children along with dozens of their friends have spent countless active hours engaged in pro-social healthy fun in the tennis courts. In addition, we were always pleased to witness dozens of teenagers arrive their frequently over every summer to engage in healthy fun and friendly competition. It is shameful that two organizations (NHA and SD 57) that claim to promote active living would come to a solution to a parking issue that would take such opportunities away from the children and families of our community.
We appreciate you effort to bring this issue to light.
Shawn and Dayna Long
Prince George
