Great Event Today at McIntire Park!

Today at McIntire Park I unveiled a proposal to a create a new path forward for meeting the recreational needs of our citizens, as summarized here and covered here, here, here, here and here. I was very pleased to receive the support of a wide range of groups (including representatives from McIntire Softball, YMCA, the Soccer Organization of Cville-Albemarle, Cville Sports and Social Club, and organizations like Urban Vision and Abundant Life Ministries who serve low-income youth) for my proposal. One thing that all of these folks agree on is that we need more positive opportunities for our youth and families (especially high school-aged kids), and we need to do a better job of making recreational field space available to the community. My proposal would do both.

As I said in today's announcement, for those who would continue to pit groups of citizens against each other, or spread willful mistruths (like the idea that the YMCA was going to displace the softball fields at McIntire Park), or pursue their own selfish interests above all else, I would urge them to follow the example of the individuals who attended my event today. They spoke repeatedly about the need to move beyond the divisiveness and missteps of the past and work together for a solution that meets the indoor and outdoor recreational needs of all our citizens.

When it comes to recreational resources in our area, in other words, we need to stop fighting over ever-narrowing pieces of the same pie. Instead, in the immortal words of George W. Bush, we ought to make the pie higher.

p.s. Speaking of successful events, many thanks to all of my friends and supporters who attended the "Vote for Dave" kick-off party at South Street Brewery on Thursday night! Was great to see so many friendly faces and to be able to sign up so many volunteers for the campaign.