The Old Blogger Was Pretty Grumpy on Saturday

It was lack of sleep, mostly. The Old Blogger usually doesn't have trouble sleeping, and we can't remember any occasion in the past where he's been kept awake by something he read in the local paper. But on Friday night he read a rather disturbing article in the Stony Plain Reporter, on page three. It seems Jason Acker is circulating a petition in Spruce Grove, to try and force a plebiscite on the West District Park sports fields. Mr. Acker thinks that this park will be too expensive and that it will only benefit "a small, select group of athletes". He says that the City of Spruce Grove hasn't communicated effectively on this issue and there needs to be more discussion involving Spruce Grove residents.
Mr. Ackers' claims and opinions, as reported in this newspaper article, are just plain loony. If he thinks these sports fields aren't needed - he's wrong. If he thinks that these fields are going to be cheaper to build some time in the future - he's wrong about that too. If he thinks that $5.4 million in CAMRIF grants from the federal and provincial governments can be spent on some other project, or that we can say "not right now, hang on to that grant money because we might need it in a few years" - well, we all know that hound won't hunt. If Mr. Acker thinks that there hasn't been discussion or communication between the City of Spruce Grove and the citizens of Spruce Grove - where the heck has he been these past two years?
The fact is that the citizens of Spruce Grove have been involved in the planning of this sports park and have waited for it to become reality for many many years. And more recently, as plans to build it next to the TLC have developed and taken shape, it is the citizens of Spruce Grove and the minor sports organizations who have dared to dream of a premiere facility, a lighted field, artificial turf - a facility that can withstand constant usage in all kinds of weather from early spring until late fall.
You see Mr. Acker, many, many citizens of Spruce Grove have driven to Edmonton to watch our Spruce Grove teams play their "home games" at Clarke Park and other facilities in the city. We've watched our kids trying to practice football in shin-deep mud - try to prepare for playoff games in the feeble and inadequate light provided by donated portable generators. We've watched our athletes, our children, risking injury on worn out sports fields that just can't stand up to the heavy use of our ever expanding programs. We parents have lined up at half time to use the porta-potties! And now that we have this absolute jewel, this dream - with the TLC on one hand and right next door a first class outdoor sport facility - now that this is finally nearing reality, Mr. Acker wants a discussion? Sorry Mr. Acker - sorry if you've missed out somehow. Not our fault if you weren't there, but the discussion has already happened and it has borne fruit. Take your petition and peddle it somewhere else.
Oh yes - and as for Mr Ackers' claim that a sports facility "caters to a small, select group of athletes..."? Pick up that same copy of the Stony Plain Reporter and turn from page three back to the front page. "Stony Plain Catches Cup Fever" ! Congratulations Stony Plain. Great job hosting a very successful Allan Cup tournament. It was nice to read of all the visiting athletes and supporters of teams from across Canada, who came to your town and apparently had a great time. It's good that so many local people came out to cheer on the home town boys as they competed on home ice for a national championship. Sounds like it drew lots of positive attention to the town. Local businesses, restaurants and hotels seemed happy to be "crazy busy" during the Allan Cup event. Sounds like the whole Tri Municipal region will benefit from your hard work and vision.
I think the Old Blogger will be able to sleep just fine tonight.