Observer Online | Viewpoints | Letters to the Editor

Posted Oct. 11, 2002

Writer Not Hurt by Skate Park

To the editor:

In her Letter to the Editor ("Community Must Speak Out for a Skate Park"), Donna Sandin recognizes that the proposed YMCA skate park site would result in "traffic, noise and strangers tramping through the (West Market) neighborhood."

This obviously does not concern her, of course, because she lives in a distant neighborhood not impacted by this site.

The writer also theorizes that the Lake Fairfax site would be a "distinctly unsafe locale." For her information, the YMCA site is presently unsafe if one considers the slashed tires, broken windows and other acts of vandalism experienced by West Market residents since the YMCA teen center opened.

Attracting more youths to this location, as you can imagine, is something we are not excited about to say the least.

Residents of West Market knew that they were buying into an urban setting with a mix of planned commercial and residential uses and because of our proximity to the town center and other nearby businesses and restaurants, it was a decision that none of us has regretted. However, the creation of a public nuisance at our door step was something we never bargained for.

The RCC would better serve the youth of Reston by upgrading present facilities, e.g., lights for ball fields, and supporting year round athletic and cultural programs, rather than expanding their funds for a dubious activity that will serve a limited few from the Reston community.

Jack Murray

West Market