Elmview Playgorund is a popular playground in
a busy neighbourhood in the heart of Hanmer.
Everyday kids occupy the playground and
people use the tennis courts, field, and baseball diamond. In
winter, there's an ice rink open for public skating.
The Elmview Playground Association takes care
of the ice rink, organizes the annual jug-curling tournament,
annual auction and maintains the clubhouse and canteen.
Yet, when it comes to people giving back to
the community, like our playground, it's sad because at the
moment only two people are involved in the association.
My mother is one of them and she has belonged
to the association for 15 years now, along with another fellow
who has been there forever. Both of these individuals give up
their own time, even though they have busy lives, to help out
the playground.
To try to help out, my friend and I delivered
500 flyers in the area to spread the word that the playground
is in need of more help and to invite people to a meeting in
regards to the matter. Out of the 500 flyers delivered, only
two people showed up.
So what's the deal? I think people just don't
want to give back to the community and take the fantastic
playground for granted. While the city contributes some
financial support, it's the volunteers that keep it
running.
Without more volunteers, maybe there won't be
any snow to shovel off the ice this year because there won't be
any ice period. Perhaps the lights at Elmview Playground will
be shut off for good.
Teal Johannson-Knox
Hanmer