In the spring of 2004, Whistler/Blackcomb was gracious
enough to offer the use of a dedicated space in the then newly constructed
Creekside Underground Parking structure. Since that time, much hard work as
well as over $10,000 have gone into the creation and maintenance of a small
skateboard park. Although the ramp has seen phenomenal use, and has been
recognized as one of the best things to happen off-mountain to this town in
recent history, the actions of some are ruining it for all. A small group of
people have not been treating the space with any respect, leaving garbage all
over, vandalism, making unnecessary graffiti markings (we allow proper graffiti
art, not “tags”) as well as, disgustingly enough, urinating in the underground
area. Now because of these people’s actions, W/B is forced with the very
difficult decision of having to possibly close the park due to the never-ending
costs of cleaning up after us.
Hopefully it is not too late and are optimistic that if the
community steps up this week by committing to reform the way we have been
acting, then possibly we will be allowed to keep this park.
At this point we must make one thing clear. Whistler/Blackcomb
is the good guy here. They gave us the space, gave us two years to prove we can
use it responsibly and now because of the actions of the skateboard community
as a whole, they might have to close it down because of the insane amount of
money they have been spending to keep it clean and safe.
Next Friday, November 9th, all the people
involved in the Creekside Skatepark from the Whistler/Blackcomb side will be
meeting to decide whether to continue to support the project or close it down
all together. We are hoping that enough of the skateboard community will make
their voices heard as to affect their decision.
Quite Simply, our actions this week will decide the future
of the Creekside Underground Skatepark. If you want to see it kept alive then it
is up to you to get off the couch and spread the word. One thing you can do is
to write a letter to the editor of one of the local papers. We are hoping that
next Thursday’s paper will be filled with letters of support (you must get your
letter in by Tuesday to be included in that weeks paper). Explain why you think
the park should be kept alive, how it has changed your experience of living in
Whistler. Don’t forget to mention how much of a valuable community resource it
is. Below you will find some key contact info
Pique Editor: Editor(at)piquenewsmagazine.com
or go to their website and follow the link
Question Editor: general(at)whistlerquestion.com (put
Letter to the Editor in the subject field)
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Published by wsa: 12:49 PM
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