Why are the community gardens being torn down only to be re-built elsewhere?
Wouldn't it be more efficient to just build the skate park elsewhere?
Also, consider that parking is already at a premium at this location. (And that the gardeners aren’t even using the parking lot!) How many parking spaces are the skateboarders proposing to add?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 22, 2007 12:40 PM
These gardens are looked upon by other towns as such a wonderful aspect of the community programs. Having had a child go through the school system and am appreciative of the athletic programs offered, it would be nice to also "defer" to other groups.
I have participated in the community garden program for the past 22 years and can honestly say, it has been a highlight of my life here in Montville. I am writing to express my sadness of the possibility that these gardens may be relocated. I feel they are such a testament to the "rural" nature of the area (needless to say, over the past 22 years here I have seen much of that dissipate for extensive residential development). Their location at the previous dairy farm overlooking the "barn"/silo could not be more appropriate. I feel there are other areas that could be considered for the skate park which would not displace people who have spent literally decades in the current location (i.e. to the left of the new turf field at the community park, closer to the library, Camp Dawson, etc.; these locations would offer current parking).
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 22, 2007 1:53 PM
Why not build the skate park behind the dog park?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 22, 2007 4:40 PM
My understanding from the mayor and a township commmittee member is that this is NOT something being proposed (for at least a few years) and the possibility of it being in the gardeners' current space is just a rumor. If it does come to fruition, hopefully it will be in another area that is NOT currently being put to such a good use!!
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 23, 2007 4:31 PM
Welp, guess we all have to goto the meeting for this silly idea and tell'em its a stupid idea.. why not build your crazy skate park someplace empty, not someplace that is already being used by the people of montville for many decades..
sidenote, what kinda people is this skate park gonna bring into this town?? another drug hotspot perhaps?
Posted by
Highly Annoyed Taxpayer
on
October 27, 2007 4:03 AM
As a parent of an avid skate boarder, I take issue with the "highly annoyed taxpayer" comment of 10/27.
My 10 year old son is a straight A student at a private school, plays two musical instruments, is involved in community service, and is as devoted to this sport as many are to the more main stream sports offered in town. Some of his nicest and most respectiful friends share his love of skate boarding. Whatever judgment you are making on clearly the little you know about skate boarders is completely off target.
A skate park would round out the narrow offering of sports facilities in Monvtille. The Community Park is the logical location since it would include skate boarders into the fold of other town activities. Afterall, skate boarders are part of our community. While I agree that the town gardens are also a wonderfull community facility, there are plenty of other locations (including within the Community Park) that could work.
To the annoyed tax payer, drop the antiqutated social stigma you have on skate boarders and come see what a great bunch of kids they are!! Shame on you!!
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 30, 2007 11:05 AM
I am in full agreement with the comment made about "dropping the antiquated social stigma about skateboarders!" I am a parent of 3 boys who are great kids and really "into the sport" of skateboarding--let's be positive here . . . perhaps a skate park will draw a nice group of kids and keep them out of trouble while providing great exercise!
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 30, 2007 4:14 PM
The garders are a wonderful idea, but have you noticed how many empty plots there have been the last few years. The kids of Montville have no sidewalks or parking lots to skateboard on. This is the most logical place to have a skate park, next to the athletic fields and the Recration Center. Again skateboarders are athletes not drug users. Where does that come from?
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 30, 2007 5:29 PM
I'm a student at Montville High and I love skateboarding. The fact that someone (annoyed taxpayer) would even think to make such a prejudice statement blows my mind. I mean if you're old enough to pay taxes, grow up a little bit.
As for the skatepark, that spot is key. After school kids from both the middle and high schools would have quick access to it and transportation too the park wouldn't even be necessary. And don't people in Montville have backyards? Go grab a load of topsoil from Condurso's and a few sunflower seeds and there's your garden right there. That location would be an easy transition for skateboarders because most of the skating happens at the basketball courts.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 30, 2007 6:46 PM
Why not make everyone happy and put the skatepark (if it does come to fruition)somewhere else. There is certainly plenty of "green space" in town(up near the library or next to the new soccer field or at Camp Dawson). Dawson might be a good idea given the amount of noise that is created by the boards. People that have been gardening there for all these years have a right to their leisure space as well. Consider all the money the town has already put into athletic fields. All taxpayers are entitled to facilities.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
October 31, 2007 11:07 AM
Why not put the skateboard park on Kramer Drive behind the dog park?
Montville bought 5.7 acres and is only using a small part of it.
How about putting the skatepark on level ground within the community park, beyond the newly turfed soccer fields?
I don't think the other land by the dog park is buildable, that's why the dog park was moved to that location. I think the proposed roller hockey rink for that site was shot down more than five years ago.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 6, 2007 8:23 PM
I guess Livingston has a skate park also.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 9, 2007 6:15 AM
as a gardener I resent the skate park group "assuming" the community garden lands are available. The gardens have a long history in Montville. They provide a different type of rec activity and are geared to all ages not just youth. We have soccer, baseball, lacross, football etc for youth. Playgrounds, basketball bubble too. Montville needs diversity in activities. Other groups are also part of the town and we pay taxes too. Build a skate park in a neigboring town like Lincoln Park, Boonton, Parsippany. We don't want more kids doing goodness knows what in our parks. Please. Leave the gardens ALONE.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 15, 2007 9:25 AM
The garden are a beautiful and well used area in our park. It is also one spot that is not devoted to children. Adults with interests outside of sports should be celebrated and respected as well as our children. Find a skate park elsewhere. Maybe have the children and their parents raise money for the park. This would be a positive approach in creating something that montville children want.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 20, 2007 1:35 PM
I think that this would be a nice idea. If any of you have had a kid that likes to skateboard you would relize that most of them have ened up in the hospital many times. Some from there mastakes and most from them skateing on basketball courts roads and other areas. And as for the garden that is easiyer to move. If it was at the communty park then it is easyier access for the skateboards. First they could go after school and wouldnt be putting them self in danger getting there. Also the rec. center is right there so afterwards they could go there to hang out. Would you rather you kid have the chance to get hit by a car or into a car accident or have a safe trip to the park.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 11, 2008 8:15 AM
a skateboarder can play at a skatepark for hours and probably want to hang out and get drinks, so if it were located near the rec center, this would be a positive... being a member of the gardens i do feel disapointed that montville is considering to move the gardens but i dont think gardeners have to garden for extensive periods of time in which they need to go to the rec center, (think positive) this may improve montville in the fact that our kids will be safe.
