Below is the Petition carried by Tyler Gosnell, leading the group of hockey playing teenagers that are pressuring the City of Mineola to have suitable grounds for safely playing the sport of outdoor hockey in our area.  Mr. Gosnell is appearing with some of the players and the petition Thursday November 19, 2009 before the attendees and Mineola City Council Officials at the workshop / town meeting taking place at  Mineola City Council.

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Search for a Suitable Outdoor Hockey Facility in Mineola

Directed to: Mineola City Officials / Mineola City Council.

Over the past two years, the sport of outdoor hockey has grown in interest and participation with local teens in Mineola. This growth in participation has also led to a search for a suitable facility that accommodates the demands of the sport. Due to a recent expulsion from the Mineola Civic Center’s tennis courts, where the conditions are ideal for outdoor hockey, these same teens find themselves without a suitable facility where they can enjoy this recreational activity. It should also be noted that this expulsion was not due to any public complaints or suspected criminal activity, but rather for the city’s concern of maintaining the condition of the court’s playing surface.

Possible solutions to this issue may include but are not limited to:

1) Allowing outdoor hockey to resume play at the Mineola Civic Center’s tennis courts. And in an effort to help maintain the condition of the playing surface, perhaps implementing any necessary equipment restrictions (to be determined by Council upon further research) could be in order. It should also be noted this facility has perimeter fencing and lighting currently in place, making it an ideal location for playing after sunset without jeopardizing players’ safety.

OR

2) Upgrading the city’s outdoor basketball courts with lighting and perimeter fencing.

By signing this petition, the following individuals agree that establishing a safe and suitable public facility for the sport of outdoor hockey would be a positive investment for the community. It is believed that the Council’s support of resolving this public concern will have a substantial effect throughout the community while giving local teens and others an opportunity to enjoy this sport with the benefit of having a safe and secure facility.

We thank the members of City Council for their genuine consideration of this matter.