I have to disagree with the letter in last week’s Sooke News Mirror.
I believe a park is set aside for all residents to enjoy. This park is big enough that you could have a children’s play area, a tennis court, trails, a dog area, picnic tables, a bike area and yes, horseshoe pitches if that is what the community wants.
Horseshoe pitching is currently under controversy as was the children’s bike park. I think the readers need to hear the facts before making a decision.
You say there are only six members to the horseshoe club and why should the park be set aside for six people? I beg to differ. The reason there are only six members is that they don’t have a park to throw shoes. This is a sport that is open to everyone, and all ages.
The Greater Victoria Horseshoe club has juniors right up to seniors and people play year round. They compete in tournaments in B.C., Canada, and the world. The members keep the grass cut, clean the washrooms, rake the pits and keep the area clean and tidy, so no cost to the Saanich taxpayer.
This is a sport just like baseball, hockey, swimming etc. How many years was the swimming pool, hockey rink debated and voted down before finally the centre was built?
As a former member of the Victoria Horseshoe club, I visited many of the horseshoe clubs throughout the province, and every one of them was built in a neighbourhood park. I think having the horseshoe pits available to the community and our seniors would be an asset.
Barb Kerr
Sooke