Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jan 2003
Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Vancouver Courier
Contact:  http://www.vancourier.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474
Author: Blair Petrie

NELSON PARK NEEDS REDESIGN

To the editor:

I was disappointed to read the point of view of school and police officials 
regarding Nelson Park ("Used needle bins not appropriate for Nelson Park," 
Jan. 15).

Rather than reduce risk immediately to park users as well as IV drug users, 
they would rather expose children and the general public to used needles.

What we should really be focussing on with regard to the park is the Mole 
Hill area community reclaiming the park as their own. An important step is 
urging the new parks board to redesign the park-it was never a successful 
design to begin with and has languished for years-with local input.

This would create a space with many opportunities for a variety of 
community uses and get more people using the park on a regular basis. Now 
it is mainly used by dog walkers and as a short cut to Nelson and Thurlow 
streets.

This approach has worked successfully in Burrardview Park in East 
Vancouver, which had similar, if not more complex, problems.

We do not need to begin blaming our neighbours and trying to force those in 
our community we do not approve of out of the neighbourhood. Organizations 
such as Dusk to Dawn do not allow or condone drug use; Dr. Peter is giving 
many individuals a second chance they would not otherwise receive. We need 
more neighbours to be involved in workable, inclusive solutions, not less.

The challenge will be to create a park where everyone can feel safe with 
space planning that respects all park users. Imagine a green, lush and 
soothing environment that would be an oasis and provide opportunities for 
community gatherings. Only by all members of our community working together 
and avoiding simplistic negative reactions will this challenge be met.

Blair Petrie,

Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Alex