Roller Hockey Rink Proposal

* Re: “Rink Proposal a Game of Compromise,” Aug. 17.

Having lived in this area for 46 years, the history of Studio City Park is important for all parties to be aware of and concerned about. At that time we, as neighbors, worked hard to get a park for our children. This small pocket of land was originally a catchall dump and a real eyesore. Our children made the best of it regardless. There were many problems: The land was not large enough for a regular park. Neighbors recognized that, as an undersized park, it would be limited in use. The park would be surrounded by single-family homes and was landlocked with no major traffic outlets. With these limitations understood, an undersized Studio City Park was established.

Time has seen this tiny park become overpopulated and overused. It has become a traffic hazard and an environmental problem, and yet the surrounding homes have tolerated it all and endured.

There is a limit to such demands on any neighborhood. Now the community is expected to endure even more, a roller hockey rink, demanding space that is neither available nor logical. It is impossible to add more people and more cars to our area. Our little park has only 25 parking spaces. The roller hockey players used this parking lot without permission and all the cars had to park elsewhere. This created a further traffic jam beyond belief.

There are two or three parks in this area with 50 to 90 acres that could easily have space for the roller hockey rink. Parents drive their children to school, church and other activities. So be it with the roller hockey rink.

A public park is intended for all ages, babies to senior citizens. It . . . is not just for children’s activities only. The quality of the community at large is entrusted to the management of the park. Thus far we have succeeded in the ultimate and maximum use of the park. May management continue to maintain its good standards and success.

SELMA COHEN

Studio City