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It's encouraging to see some forward movement in the outdoor skatepark saga, but this issue is far from finding a resolve and the controversy is sure to continue.

The latest site proposal — and one getting a thumbs up from many in the skateboard community — is adjacent to the Nelson and District Community Complex parking lot and behind the Chamber of Commerce building on Hall Street.

At first glance this site has exciting potential. It's centrally located in the city, close to the Nelson and District Youth Centre on Lake Street, on publicly owned land and a fair distance from any residential neighbourhoods. It seems like a pretty good fit. Call the cement trucks, it's case closed!

Not so fast. Just as obvious as the upsides of the NDCC site are the downsides.

The NDCC parking lot is a bustling hive seven days a week. Parking and traffic are much more an issue than the proposed Lakeside site where soccer parents were concerned about losing a few parking spaces. The grassy area being eyed for the new concrete park was called for by folks during the NDCC planning process. A downtown park-like area where folks could have lunch seemed to be a priority for some. That area would certainly be less inviting when the trees are gone and the skateboarders arrive en masse.

Two obvious issues and there's sure to be plenty more if the NIMBY history of this outdoor skatepark holds true. Like every other site that's been proposed over the years, there's bound to be plenty of reasons people bring forward to rain on this latest parade.

This is not to say those who have been fighting for this facility — myself included — shouldn't feel encouraged. But now the hard part begins and everybody should bring an open mind to the process as it moves forward. An outdoor skatepark is long overdue.

— Managing Editor Bob Hall

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