It's been a few weeks now since we learned that a recreation referendum is coming in June.
Since I hold recreation so dearly to my heart, I thought I'd present a few thoughts on the subject this week.
In my capacity as editor, I have the pleasure of covering sports in this community. Every weekend I'm either at the arena, on a sports field or in a school gym covering the exploits of athletes both young and old.
We should feel fortunate to have so many great athletes in this community.
From baseball to hockey, basketball to soccer and everything in between, many athletes from the Coast have began their careers here and excelled around the world.
Look at Ryan Dempster, a world-class pitcher with the Chicago Cubs. Demp toed the mound at Brothers Park for many a summer and now he's pitching at Wrigley Field.
Kyle Bruce and Brad Wingfield, both products of the Sunshine Coast Minor Hockey Association, have had successful junior careers and still have a shot at making higher pro ranks, if and when the National Hockey League gets its act together and plays again.
We also have an incredible young crop of talent that is starting to form.
Mountain bike season is just around the corner. This weekend, several riders from Chat and Elphi have been invited to a national training camp in Squamish where they'll get tips from pro riders.
We've just seen the Chat senior boys represent the Coast at the provincial basketball championships and last weekend the Midget House C1 squad captured a playoff banner to go along with their regular season crown.
In order to achieve such athletic success, you need a number of things. Dedication from the athlete, dedication and commitment from coaches and proper athletic facilities.
Currently we have the S.C. Arena, numerous sports and playing fields and an adequate pool in Gibsons.
All of these facilities have served us well, but the time has come for better facilities.
In order for us to continue to produce world-class athletes, we need facilities that offer higher-standards, like a new community centre/arena in Gibsons and a new pool in Sechelt.
We haven't even discussed the possibility of the 2010 Olympics yet. Did anyone say Dakota Ridge?
The recreation issue has been on the books for many years - well before my time here on the Coast. It's been a contentious issue with politicians, but finally all levels of government are on the same page.
I'd like to applaud them for that. I didn't think the day would come that everyone would agree on something, but they did.
In the next few months, the regional district will be working out the details of the recreation question.
I hope that everyone on the Coast will stay informed and vote 'yes' in June.
