Council Candidate Karen Robinet Talks Chatham-Kent Sports
Chatham-Kent Civic Centre
The Chatham-Kent Municipal election day is October 27, 2014.
Here are council candidate Karen Robinet’s responses. Robinet is running for council in Ward 6 – Chatham.
1. Background in sports and recreation:
My biggest, and only contribution thus far to the local sports scene has been co-producing two sons, both of whom participated in the learn to skate programs, figure skating and then played minor hockey. They both also played soccer for many years. My youngest son Tristan played basketball and volleyball for St. Joseph Catholic School, and then went on to play basketball and football for UCC where he made the all-star teams in both sports several teams. He also played Cougar football. My financial support for my sons’ sports and my moral support for their games (I went to every possible game I could!) has been the extent of my contribution the local sports community.
2. What specific ideas or goals do you have for Chatham-Kent, to improve or maintain recreational programs and facilities, and support our athletes and sports organizations? Or to help build opportunities for future growth in these areas?
I would like to ensure that all kids who want to participate in sports have the opportunity to do so, despite their financial and social circumstances. In terms of facilities, I know that a twin-pad arena is top of the list for many. I’d like to see that too, but the time needs to be right financially. Even back when my boys were skating, ice time was a challenge, and I can’t imagine it’s gotten any better. Recognizing that we have a lot of health issues to contend with in CK, we need to make sure we prioritize parks and recreation in a way that includes all of our citizens. To me, that means providing opportunities for recreation throughout the community, rather than focusing all of our efforts in one area. For example, in Chatham, while I’m very excited about the installation of fitness equipment at Kingston Park, not to mention the fantastic park itself, I would like to see Tecumseh Park also upgraded to provide some better recreational opportunities there. There are plenty of people who live in that area who can’t get to Kingston Park, and with a new condo going up and new development downtown, it only makes sense to me to upgrade Tecumseh Park. Funding will be an issue, but I believe there are opportunities through community partnerships to attain at least some of our goals. Also, as an occasional bicycle rider I would like to see some sort of policies that will make it safer for cyclists to get from Point A to Point B. Bicycles lanes are great, when you can find one, but I find I don’t normally. What I do find is the challenge of trying to avoid potholes without having to swerve to far into traffic. I’d also like to ride on sidewalks in the busiest areas but don’t at this point as I know it’s illegal to do so. However, I know that other people do, and honestly, I can’t blame them.
3. How will you work to make Chatham-Kent a healthier, more active place to live?
I think we need to encourage people to use active modes of transportation, like walking and cycling. Even something as simple as installing some bicycle racks throughout the downtown area would be helpful in that regard. I’d also like to see a section of downtown blocked off altogether to create a nice space through which people could walk. We’ve made it far too easy for ourselves to drive everywhere, and I’m as guilty of that as the next person. Having more destinations and amenities, such as benches along the river etc. would encourage people to stretch their legs and help make this a more active community. I really think the sports leagues are doing a good job with what they do, but we need to make fitness and exercise something that everyone participates in, whether they’re an athlete or not.
What did you think of Council Candidate Karen Robinet’s responses? Let us know in the comments below!