Editor: Re: South East Yorkson neighbourhood park site.
Does it make any sense to clearcut a site of all mature trees to “make” a new park? Do you consider a soccer field and a park one and the same? Apparently Langley Township thinks so.
In just one afternoon this summer, all of the mature trees were clearcut in this “ future park site “ to make way for two soccer fields. Until this summer, there had been a beautiful walkway lined with mature trees and frequented by wildlife, including an eagle and an owl, on this site.
With all the media attention on tree cutting, particularly in our neighbouring jurisdiction of Surrey, where there have been many news stories with residents up in arms about destruction of trees, it surprises me that Langley demonstrates no hesitation in just mowing them all down.
And, because two soccer fields must be squeezed into this small site — despite several other field locations within a few blocks radius — there is no room left for anything else that might be considered park-like here.
Residents of this area were all charged a hefty premium by builders, for homes backing on to this “future park site”.
While it is certainly easier to plan a site starting from a clean slate, surely a balance could be struck between maintaining some of the existing environment and incorporating new elements, if any care was taken in the planning. I challenge the Township to use greater thoughtfulness in planning for new areas and strongly urge Langley to reconsider the plan for this site.
nicole quilty,
Langley
