So often these days we seem to expect government to do everything for us.
That expectation includes at the municipal level, where we often look to City Hall to spearhead most projects in a community, and to also offer up the funding as well.
That is particularly true of recreational facilities in a city like ours.
We can look around the city and see a number of projects which are desired, but are basically in limbo as the proponents of the projects sits back and waits for the City to take the lead.
A third ice surface, new grandstand and expanded seating at the main diamond at Jubilee Park have all had the public talking of their need, but local efforts are more or less stalled awaiting the City to take the lead.
Certainly at times Council takes the initiative and creates worthwhile recreational facilities on their own. The modestly-priced disc golf course at Patrick Park is an example.
There are however, other instances where needed facilities have been developed through the effort of groups in the city taking the lead.
The Yellowhead Raceway is a prime example. Having a stock car track locally is certainly an asset, both for fans, and the enthusiasts who build and drive the cars. That said it would be difficult to rationalize the City building such a track. Most voters would not deem it a good use of their taxpayer dollars.
Millstone Raceway is a similar facility for motorcycle enthusiasts.
City Hall can play a role in such developments, but they do not need to lead, nor do they need to be the major funder.
This brings us to the efforts of Dave Nussbaumer. Through his business involvement with Farrell Agencies, Nussbaumer is trying to access $150,000 through the Broker Supported Category of Aviva Community Fund Contest.
Aviva donates $1 million to community projects across Canada each year, and Nussbaumer wants a substantial chunk of those dollars to spearhead development of a major new skateboard facility in the city.
The skateboard park would be brought back into the downtown core where youth had lobbied for it to be before the current park was put together at the Gallagher Centre.
Targeted as part of the Brodie Street project the City is undertaking, the largest part being a run-off water holding pool, the plan Nussbaumer is hoping to kick-start would allow skateboarders, BMX bikers and rollerbladers a permanent, high profile, centralized, park atmosphere facility in which to enjoy their chosen sports.
With Nussbaumer taking the lead, Mayor James Wilson and Council has already publicly pledged matching dollars for the project.
If the public takes the lead, Council will follow good ideas.
For Nussbaumer to be successful in his quest he does need the community to get behind the initiative.
The process for being one of the projects to get funding includes an online voting process. That is where Yorkton residents need to be supportive by going to the site and casting their cyber-ballots.
People need to go online to vote to www.avivacommunityfund.org
The local project reference number is acf11570
This allows people to go directly to the application and vote. You can vote once a day for up to 15 times.
The voting process began Oct. 3.
So Yorkton, this is our time to lead on a worthwhile recreational project in our City. Take the time to vote and help Yorkton youth see the skateboard facility they have long dreamed of.
