Brockton has some major decisions to make over the coming year(s) –
especially where recreation, sports, and a new municipal complex is
concerned.
Word last week that the future of soccer is in jeopardy seems to have caught
most town officials off guard. But fortunately, organizers and volunteers of
local leagues have been working behind the scenes to help find a solution.
But that solution might be more difficult to find than Canada landing the
World Cup.
Currently the complex steering committee, (which is looking into the
possibility of building a super centre that would potentially house a new
Brockton administrative office, an arena, other recreational needs, daycare
facilities, and the local Chamber of Commerce) is taking things a little
slower while awaiting the Master Plan for recreation.
However, whatever that plan may contain, implementing parts of it may take
months or, more likely, years.
Recreation and Facilities Director Dan Wilken has no small, nor easy task in
trying to find the solution that’s right for everyone. And maybe there isn’t
one that will answer everyone’s needs.
But, in the meantime, the clock is ticking on the availability of the soccer
fields that are on school properties.
With 450 local children playing the sport every year, this issue can’t be
ignored nor forgotten – which it won’t be with council adding it to their
Status Reports.
However, a more immediate action plan needs to be developed and implemented
while future, long ranch plans are studied. It’s great to say that in 10
years Brockton will have a new building, sports, fields and the like, but by
then, if nothing is done now, soccer in Walkerton could well be a distant
memory.
Perhaps this could become an election issue, but keeping the game alive
should be everyone’s goal.