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 Marion and Tom Webb, Apr 2010 |
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Dedication unrewarded
View scan of this letter
Text version below
Dedication unrewarded, letter to the editor of The Casket, published April 14, 2010
Dear Editor,
For more than 25 years dozens of committed volunteers have worked tirelessly, for no personal reward, to develop a skatepark in Antigonish. Dozens of young people in the community have contributed hours and hours of their time in the belief that the Town and County would respond to a legitimate need. They hoped that even if they did not benefit from their hard work, other young people growing up after them would benefit. They have grown up with empty promises and many have moved away.
Together these young people and adults have made the Antigonish Highland Skateboarding Association (ASHA) into a model community organization admired across Nova Scotia for its energy, its constructive approach, its patience and its long-term commitment. Dozens of people have contributed hundreds of hours and had dozens of hollow promises from mayors and wardens and councilors. The lack of will of the elected officials and municipal employees is more than discouraging - it is soul destroying. The response of some organizations has been a particular disappointment. Approaches to the Antigonish Guysborough Federation of Agriculture to enquire about the availability of part of the exhibition grounds parking lot across from the RCMP office have not even had the courtesy of a decent response. This would be an ideal site but it requires a response from this farm organization that has received so much from the community.
We have watched as community after community, some smaller and poorer than Antigonish, have stepped up to the plate and built beautiful skate parks for their youth. Amherst, Bridgewater and Annapolis Royal are the latest to commit, following examples set by New Minas, Sydney, Halifax, Coxheath, Shearwater, Truro, Glace Bay, Chester and Fall River. All have shown the leadership to build modern concrete skateparks. In many cases the municipalities have taken the lead, rather than being obstacles. They have welcomed this exciting sport while Antigonish still is focused on chasing skateboarders off the streets and sidewalks.
One wonders, after more than a decade of dedicated contribution to the community, how can the youth and adults in AHSA possibly hold on to their sense of direction? How do they keep up the steam? It must be very hard to keep faith!
We, and many others, believe the people of Antigonish Town and County deserve better! Skateboarding is a magnificent sport - graceful and amazing to watch, physically demanding and character building. An investment in our youth is about the most important investment we can make as a community. It appears to us, based on past experience, that it will be very difficult to get the town and county to work together and summon the will to do what so many other communities have done. Although we no longer live in Antigonish, as a former AHSA Board Director, and as active supporters now, we feel compelled to appeal to the community for fresh energy.
We are inspired by the immense dedication of the people who have believed in the need for the skatepark, and we can’t but have a sense that long serving AHSA volunteers need a lift from fresh and energetic skateboard supporters. We hope new people, fueled with fresh determination and civic pride, will be inspired to step on board and join the challenge of getting the Antigonish community the skatepark it deserves!
Marion and Tom Webb,
Lunenburg, NS
Link to scan of this letter
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