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Posted Oct. 25, 2002

NIMBY Issue Reigns Over Skate Park

To the editor:

Like Diogenes, the Greek mythology philosopher who walked the world for years carrying a lantern, looking for an honest man, I have waited for 35 years§my time in Reston§to hear some protester against a proposed project admit that he¯s not really opposed to the project itself but merely wants it located "not in my back yard" (NIMBY).

Well, I¯ve finally located such a person, lurking behind the luxurious Chicago-style facade of West Market, where this person¯s neighbors have risen in righteous indignation against the proposal of the Reston Community Center (RCC) to join forces with the YMCA for the construction of a skateboard park on Y property, just across the W&OD trail from West Market houses.

This West Market resident, whom we shall refer to as "Nimby," has analyzed the arguments put forth against the proposed skateboard facility and has concluded that they merely add up to NIMBY, his position.

As for whether such a park is within the parameters of the RCC¯s function, Nimby points out that the center was intended to serve the needs of Reston¯s youth, as well as adults. However, as it has turned out, perhaps as much as 90 percent of RCC use is by adults, leaving the youth to fend for themselves. The skateboard park is desperately needed by RCC to help bring a balance between youth and adult services. But needed as it might be, Nimby would like the park not in his back yard.

Because non-Reston residents would also use the proposed skateboard park, it has been suggested that any such facility should be funded, at least in part, by Fairfax County. With this argument, Nimby agrees, but points out that this would occur regardless whether such a park is constructed at the Y or at the alternate considered location, Lake Fairfax Park.

Another argument against the construction of a skateboard park is that it would be used by only a comparative handful of kids. Not everyone is into skateboarding. But, says Nimby, the same argument can be made against spending taxpayer money for such things as football, band, dramatics or anything else that kids do. However, says Nimby, football, band and dramatics do not pose a NIMBY problem for him.

Kids are already coming to the Y, many to play basketball, some to attend the Teen Center (a county facility connected to the Y), and some to swim. It has been proven that kids can get to the Y. But getting to Lake Fairfax Park would be immeasurably more difficult, says Nimby, who fears that his own conclusion somewhat shoots down his NIMBY position.

Having pretty much reached the opposite conclusion of his neighbors, Nimby has asked that his real name not be released. Otherwise, he fears, he might have to enter the witness protection program.

Cal Larson

Reston