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Is Rosemont the answer for Nelson's outdoor skatepark?

Nelson city council will once again face an important decision about the long overdue outdoor skatepark.
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Nelson councillor Deb Kozak (left) and city works supervisor Karen Macdonald discuss the layout of the plan for the outdoor skatepark in Rosemont at the open house last Thursday.

Nelson city council will once again face an important decision about the long overdue outdoor skatepark. With the wheels barreling towards the new Rosemont location, it’s going to take courage to choose a course.

As has been the case for more than a decade with this much-needed facility for youth, it’s not going to be an easy call.

At last week’s open house, skateboard enthusiasts, neighbourhood residents and interested locals had a chance to take a look at the latest plan. There was an opportunity to comment, make suggestions and voice concerns.

If a perfect plan and perfect location were out there, kids would have been perfecting tricks and bloodying elbows long ago. Like all those that have come before, this plan has flaws.

It’s in a corner of the community that’s difficult to access for its young target participants. It’s tucked away beside a forest and not easily accessible by police. It’s a (lengthy) stone’s throw away from where many people live. These are important and legitimate concerns. All three require more discussion.

Like every decision there will be a balance sheet for politicians to weigh before making a call.

On the other side of the ledger there’s plenty to balance it out. The designers of the park will have much more space to work with and the park they will be able to produce will be far better than anything that has come before it. With the bike park already there, this corner of the community is quickly becoming a recreation destination which brings new life to a beautiful spot. Tradionally, the more affordable Rosemont neighbourhood is where many young families (and potential users of the park) live.

There’s much to consider, but we think the balance sheet tips towards making the Rosemont plan a reality. Let’s hope council feels the same.