A Prince George personal trainer has started an online petition against the suggested public hours at Masich Place.
Recently, the City provided an update on its new $4.8 million stadium as it’s scheduled to re-open next month, but public use will only be limited to seven hours a day, 6AM to 1PM due to safety and accessibility concerns.
However, Katie Paolucci says she’s always felt safe running around the track, even at night and by training herself.
“I love Masich Place! I’ve always loved walking down there. I love going by myself, and I love bringing my kids; there’s always people around, you know there weren’t any dogs or thugs running around. You didn’t have a fear, and, as a woman, you just can’t be walking around anywhere by yourself. It’s an unfortunate part of life and from what I’ve heard from the women I talk to, they feel very safe down there too.”
Paolucci adds Masich Place, and it’s new and improved features, can also be a big support system, benefitting the health of all local residents as opposed to trails and other parks that may pose some difficulties for certain people.
She believes the City could be more inclusive as it’s a matter of physical safety, creating a dawn-til-dusk time slot for the public.
“New moms would definitely love the new track, you know they can bring their babies down there in their strollers; you’re not really allowed to bring your baby in with you at the gym. Also, people who are blind, and people with joint issues because of the soft surface on the track. It’s just accessible for everybody if you look at the big picture.”
Thus far, her petition has reached almost 1,000 signatures in two days.
For more information, you can click here.
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