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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, May 12, 2010 · 4 Complaints deal with late night misbehaviour at park Continued from page 1 that it is best to move it." Mark said this meeting attracted around 20 residents. A petition calling for the skate park to be moved was also circulated by residents and succeeded in collecting at least 150 signatures. Town staff confirmed inappropriate behaviour is taking place at the skate park after dark. Evidence of broken beer bottles and graffiti at the site top the list of complaints. Police patrols in the area have been increased since the public meeting, however, Mark said this does not seem to have stopped the skate park from becoming a party spot at night. Currently, Town staff has a number of options on the table including moving the skate park to a different location within the park, moving it to a different location within the Town or Ward 4 or just leaving it where it is. These options are scheduled for examination at the Community Services Committee on Wednesday, May 26. If a plan for dealing with the skate park is approved by the committee, it would then go before council at its next meeting for final approval. Mark said unlike some other skate parks, the equipment at this one is bolted in place, meaning it could be unbolted and moved to a new location, thereby cutting down on some of the costs necessary to put a skate park in place at a new location. Not everyone, however, is happy about this prospect. Glen Abbey Area resident Heather Conway, whose two young children use the skate park during the day, is calling on council not to move a service out of the community because a small group of people misuse it at night. "My sons, who are eight and six years old, have loved it. They have a wonderful time and my husband says he has experienced nothing, but respectful behaviour from the older kids," she said. "It's a form of exercise for children, I don't think it's a negative addition to the town. In fact, from what my husband was saying, when he goes there with the boys it's packed with kids. It's very much in use." Conway said she acknowledges that nearby The Regional Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca residents have the right to peace and quiet at night, but says this right should be respected by using whatever means the Town has at its disposal to keep young people from loitering around the skate park at night. Conway also asked that if the skate park is moved to a new location, like Glen Abbey Park, which was considered for a skate park in the past, what is to stop teens from gathering there and bothering adjacent residents in that area with incessant night partying? "We get stuff in our park (Glen Abbey Park) too. Teenagers doing things they shouldn't be and it's disappointing, but I would never say rip out the park because I don't like those kids back there," said Conway. "I would talk to them and say, `Please don't do that,' and then I would use the police or whatever avenue I had before I would say, `I don't like that soccer field or whatever.'" ERIC RIEHL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER HANG TIME: Jordan Lorenze performs a trick at the Westoak Trails Park skate park. Notice of Halton Region's Employment Survey collected will be vital to monitor the Region's economic health, as well as to aid in decision and policy making. It is essential background information for forecasting and planning the Region's infrastructure and services for the residents and businesses of Halton. will visit each and every business establishment in Halton to gather information about the number of employees working at each location and the type of employment that is taking place there. The surveyors will wear a Halton Region shirt and cap, each bearing the Halton Region logo, as well Join the Fight! www.relayforlife.ca/Oakville nor published in the results of the survey. All data collected from the survey will be grouped together and only be released to the public as statistical highlights of economic patterns and trends. Fight Back Sponsor of the Region's business community. If you have any questions or comments 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Onta 120510 Please let us know as soon as possible if you will have an accessibility or accommodation need at a Halton Region hosted event or meeting. Oakv