In his Aug. 2 opinion piece, “Shannon Park is no place for a stadium,” Einar Christensen has shown that while lengthy, thoughtful and progressive discussions and ideas about a stadium for metro have taken place, he must have had his head buried in the sand throughout.
Never has it been proposed that a stadium be “plunked” into Shannon Park, or anywhere, on its own. Members of The Maritime Football Limited Partnership (MFLP) have already thoroughly discussed and investigated all of the conditions that he sees as a hindrance.
First, everyone knows that a stadium cannot stand alone. Supporting infrastructure like bars, offices, a marina, maybe even an aquarium and First Nations interpretive centre could be incorporated on these lands. Building a stadium still leaves a vast expanse to develop Shannon Park to the fullest. Never has it been suggested that the costs be picked up by the taxpayers, and the MFLP has always stated that the stadium and its operation and maintenance will be its responsibility. The proponents are considering many unique and progressive ways to make it happen.
All large venues of any sort will have traffic congestion. Just look at the bridges and approaches after a Mooseheads game attracts 7,000 fans. This number could be tripled for a CFL game or big-name concert, and all parties are aware that additions and improvements to the approaches to Shannon Park will be needed. This is not an insurmountable problem.
In short, Mr. Christensen’s objections have already been considered and solutions are being worked. Thank goodness that the MFLP has a positive, can-do attitude and is not handcuffed by the kind of negativity Mr. Christensen displays. Shannon Park is an absolutely gorgeous property that is begging for imaginative development. A stadium with surrounding infrastructure and tourist destinations would be awesome. Problems can be dealt with. Acceptable solutions can be found. Let’s dump the negativity and get ’er done!
Ken Whitehead, Dartmouth
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