Since the beginning of summer, I have been taking photos of the soccer goals at Rivières Park. Each time, I become more and more discouraged. I see children playing soccer on this large, beautiful green field, but unfortunately, no one has taken the time to simply set up the soccer goals so they can play. And yes, they have been sitting there side by side since the beginning of the year. The municipality of North Hatley is making efforts throughout the city to paint beautiful lines and install speed bumps. Well done! The only thing missing is Capelton Road, the most dangerous thoroughfare, which no longer has a crosswalk, lines, or speed bumps.
Revenons-en aux buts de soccer. J’avais espoir qu’ils seraient mis en place lorsque le marché champêtre commencerait. En effet, je croyais que la foule qui se rend au marché finirait par constater le ridicule des buts de soccer dans un si beau et grand parc rempli d’enfants. Et non, soit personne n’a fait la remarque, ça ne préoccupe personne. Évidemment, la population de North Hatley de 0-14 an est estimée à 95 et les gens de 55 ans et plus représentent plus de 50% de la population.
Let’s get back to the soccer goals. I was hoping they would be put up when the farmers’ market started. I thought that the crowds visiting the market would eventually notice how ridiculous soccer goals looked in such a beautiful, large park filled with children. But no, no one has commented on it, and no one seems to care. Of course, the population of North Hatley aged 0-14 is estimated at 95, and people aged 55 and over represent more than 50% of the population.
Interestingly, on July 7 during the city council meeting, Ms. Marcella Guerrish stated at 10:14 a.m. that young people really enjoy soccer fields. However, we are adjusting a field and cannot be bothered to place them correctly.
Maybe we don’t want to see children playing soccer? Maybe we don’t want to see children from other places coming to play soccer? That’s probably not the philosophy of the municipality of North Hatley, but that’s the impression it gives. Well, at least the grass is cut!
At least the goals have moved a little. Before, one goal was upside down, and now it’s been turned right side up. We’re making slow progress, just like Mill Street, for that matter. Let’s hope we can finally get Mill Street clean and free of foul odors before fall!
Obviously, the municipality of North Hatley is doing a lot with the master plan, the refrigerated skating rink project, managing marina dock rentals, the paid parking project, the automated car wash project, and the construction of a new building at Pleasant View Beach. All of this requires a lot of effort to obtain grants, manage stakeholders, and answer questions from citizens. We can do everything, but not all at once. It’s all a matter of priorities!
With that, we may see some well-placed soccer goals this summer for our children. For soccer goals with nets, probably next year!
Evolution of soccer goals at North Hatley’s Parc des Rivières. Notice the children in the photos… they are playing soccer by the goal.
Buts de soccer du parc des Rivières de North Hatley au 15 juillet 2025. Ça bouge!
