“Walk before you run” is a well-known phrase that simply means don’t rush into doing things until you know how to do it.
This message applies to the fiasco in regards to the use of Masich Place Stadium, which will finally re-open to the public on Tuesday.
The Administration that was responsible for the initial report to Prince George City Council, dated July 23rd, showed its arrogance when they suggested the public hours of use be 6AM to 1PM at the popular facility.
It is mind-boggling to comprehend the thought process that came with that ridiculous recommendation.
Did city staff actually think the good citizens of Prince George would keep quiet and not put up a fuss?
Masich Place was available mostly dawn until dusk before the nearly $5 million in upgrades took place.
The expectation was that the hours would be similar once the stadium was complete with its renovations.
Then late in the game, the public was blindsided with the news that city staff had other plans and actually believed they would be able to railroad limited access down the throats of the citizens they are supposed to serve.
The uniqueness of Masich Place is that it appeals to all walks-of-life, regardless of age, athletic ability, or circumstance.
The track has been enjoyed by virtually thousands of Prince George residents at various times of the day, not just until early afternoon.
In the end, City Council heard very distinctly from many angry users that restricting access would not be acceptable or tolerated.
On Monday, Council had no choice but to vote unanimously to change the recommended hours.
Depending on the date, Masich Place is available for up to 15 hours of public use from six in the morning (6AM) until nine at night (9PM).
The exceptions to those hours will be on days where user groups pay to have exclusive use of the facility.
Personal trainer Katie Paolucci should be applauded for taking action and launching a petition on July 2nd, which garnered over 2,000 signatures, a tipping point in Council’s decision.
The goal was to have 100 names, but that target was met in the first couple of hours.
“I knew there would be a lot of interest to it (the petition), but I didn’t know exactly how much interest. I was really quite pleased with how the community came together. City Council said it best that they couldn’t ignore it,” stated Paolucci in an interview with MyPrinceGeorgeNow.com.
About two dozen residents attended Monday’s meeting to show their support for increased accessibility.
“We heard loud and clear from the user groups and individuals that there was too much constraint on the ability to get out and walk. I think we’ve reached a happy medium here,” said Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall.
The drafted hours will be implemented for the rest of this year.
A consultation process is expected to sort out the hours for 2019.
“The user groups that are going to be paying to use it are going to have priority during certain periods but what the City is going to do with communication is they are going to have it (hours) listed on the website, as well as at the track,” added City Councillor Brian Skakun.
It’s great the issue has been resolved but plenty of time and energy was needlessly wasted because members of City Administration wanted a convenience for themselves and not what was in the best interest of the public.
Hopefully, with a lesson learned, everyone is back on the right track.
WATCH:
FROM THE QUOTE RACK:
The New York Mets suffered their worst loss in franchise history losing to the Washington Nationals 25-4. It was so bad that even the ceremonial first pitch was hit for a triple.
*Seth Meyers of Late Night
The New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals, 25-4. Or as Mets fans put it, “Sweet. We scored four runs. Awesome.”
*Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon
A second major league pitcher (J.A. Happ) has come down with hand, foot and mouth disease. Just what kind of weird gunk are pitchers using to doctor the baseballs these days?
*Comedy writer Jim Barach http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.ca/
With Osuna traded to the Astros & Chapman with the Yankees, ALCS could come down to a battle of two closers arrested for domestic violence. This is NOT, perhaps, how MLB wanted to compete with football.
*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
If things get much worse for Ohio State footbal coach Urban Meyer, Al Pacino will consider playing him in a movie.
*Contributor Bill Littlejohn
Reds slugger Joey Votto says he might become a school crossing guard when his playing days end. Hey, don’t laugh: He’s second on the Reds’ all-time list in walks.
*Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times http://www.seattletimes.com/author/dwight-perry/
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
The Cleveland Indians recently added a new female mascot, Bacon. Come see her at the ballpork.
*Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
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Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the GOAT.
He also is the 94.3 radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com.
Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @Hartley_Miller