I am writing to express my concerns about the skateboard area that was recently installed in Deerpath park. While I do not live near the park, I have friends that do and I am appalled by the behaviour of the users of this facility. Certainly every citizen of Guelph should feel welcome to use our parks, and the city ought to provide facilities in these parks to cater to all ages and activities. However, the skateboard area installed in Deerpath park has clearly attracted a demographic that has no regard for the residents living next to the park. I have heard stories of drug use, late night drinking and rowdy behaviour, broken glass in the playground area, fires being started and residents afraid to use their neighbourhood park.
I feel that a more appropriate location can be found for the skateboard park. Prior to moving to Guelph, I lived in the town of Ajax, which has a skateboard park located at one of their recreation facilities, well away from any residential areas. Surely the West End Rec Centre would be a superior location for the skateboard park, or even Victoria Road Rec Centre, where the park could be located next to a major street, which would likely discourage some of the undesirable behaviour. NK