NELSON PARK NEEDS REDESIGN

To the editor:

I was disappointed to read the point of view of school and police officials
regarding Nelson Park ("Used needle bins not appropriate for Nelson Park,"
Jan. 15).

Rather than reduce risk immediately to park users as well as IV drug users,
they would rather expose children and the general public to used needles.

What we should really be focussing on with regard to the park is the Mole
Hill area community reclaiming the park as their own. An important step is
urging the new parks board to redesign the park-it was never a successful
design to begin with and has languished for years-with local input.

This would create a space with many opportunities for a variety of
community uses and get more people using the park on a regular basis. Now
it is mainly used by dog walkers and as a short cut to Nelson and Thurlow
streets.

This approach has worked successfully in Burrardview Park in East
Vancouver, which had similar, if not more complex, problems.

We do not need to begin blaming our neighbours and trying to force those in
our community we do not approve of out of the neighbourhood. Organizations
such as Dusk to Dawn do not allow or condone drug use; Dr. Peter is giving
many individuals a second chance they would not otherwise receive. We need
more neighbours to be involved in workable, inclusive solutions, not less.

The challenge will be to create a park where everyone can feel safe with
space planning that respects all park users. Imagine a green, lush and
soothing environment that would be an oasis and provide opportunities for
community gatherings. Only by all members of our community working together
and avoiding simplistic negative reactions will this challenge be met.

Blair Petrie,

Vancouver