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10 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 1, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Shell Park may be too busy for BMX park Continued from page 8 Mark's letter further states that over the past year, a representative of the Bronte Community Consultation Committee and Ward 1 councillors, Robinson and Mike Lansdown, had been discussing the potential of implementing a pilot site at Shell Park. The site would be have been designed to attract the beginner or junior rider. According to Mark there are two reasons for pursuing such a pilot project. BMX riding has become a popular activity for youths, but many have already been doing it in Town woodlots and natural areas -- and wrecking them. Other BMX riders have been using Shell Park's concrete skateboard park -- creating what Mark called "significant conflict" with the skateboarders. About a year ago, a northeast Oakville youth was killed while using construction mounds as a BMX track. Last summer, parks staff had their hands full trying to prevent BMX riders from using Bronte Bluffs as a BMX area. Not only was destruction of the habitat at issue, but safety of the riders, as there was evidence that they were careening down very steep slopes, even on to streets where cars could have been driving unaware. Robinson was also on deck for that issue and says there's a definite need to establish such a park. The notice forwarded to Harrison and his neighbours further stated that parks staff, ward councillors and background material ­ including information and pictures of a similar facility in Mississauga -- would be available to residents at Wednesday's meeting. Recently, the Town released its Parks, Recreation, Culture and Library Master Plan. A report on facilities stated during public consultation there was support for providing additional Happy Canada Day from Closed Canada Day, Saturday July 1st Councillor Ralph Robinson services for youth and BMX facilities. When asked specifically about "extreme sports like BMX biking" on the household survey, only 21 per cent said the Town should do more (it was ranked 21 out of 21 facility types). However, the report also noted the youngest respondents to the survey were most likely to suggest increased provision of BMX biking and stated, "like skateboard parks, it is possible the age limit placed on survey respondents affected the data." According to the facilities report, since it would be the only one of its kind in town, only one BMX park would be recommended, and on a trial basis. The report stated it should be in a visible area, on a bus route and would be best co-located with a skateboard park. That all fit the Shell Park area, however the report recommended it be established north of the QEW where most of Oakville's youth population lives and is expected to live in future. More than 20,000 youths aged 10-19 live in Oakville and that population is expected to rise to 25,000 in 10 years -- so Town staff say there is sufficient population to warrant the need. However the Victoria Street residents had another view of it. "I'm a little bit furious," said Harrison. First and foremost, Harrison said he's upset because the area was already bulldozed to make room for the park. Robinson admitted parks staff "made an error." "They did clear out a bunch of stuff that was growing and green, but they didn't take down any big trees. I was at the site and there were no big stumps to indicate they had cut down anything of any significance," said Robinson, who characterized the clearing as removal of shrub and brush. Victoria Street residents live about 1 km from the skateboard park location, but since it went in in the early 2000s, Harrison said he has experienced loud music -- sometimes distasteful lyrics -- reaching his home from the park. At the park, Harrison said there's garbage, he's been sworn at by youths, he's found packets with skulls on them, which he believes are drug-related, and there's lots of graffiti. Harrison said there's little supervision and calling the police, which he's done on occasion, accomplished little. -- Angela Blackburn can be reached at angela@oakvillebeaver.com. LIVE GOODS $ 750,000 Blowout Continues... Minimum 75 $ % off * 40 $ % off * *While quantities last. Selection may vary. Shop early. 179 99 64 99 $ 79 99 Pentagon Screen House Measures 10 1/2 x 10 1/2' x 80" high. Quick and easy set-up. Perfect for entertaining anywhere. 76-5087-4. Reg $159.99 Woods EZ Solar Tent Comes equipped with a solar panel and LED rope lights built right into the roof. The lights charge up all day in direct or indirect sunlight, so you can count on plenty of ambient light to last the night. 4 person EZ Solar tent 76-5174-6. Reg $229.99 t 6 person EZ Solar tent 76-5174-4. 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