HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-27-23 Public Comment - L. Viren - Beach Volleyball CourtsFrom:Laura
To:Agenda
Subject:Beach Volleyball Courts
Date:Tuesday, June 27, 2023 11:54:58 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commission,
Please strongly consider approving the Parks Division's 2024 Cash-in-lieu of Parkland budget proposal which
includes the funding for Bozeman Pond Park's new volleyball courts.
My name is Laura Viren, I’m a bobcat volleyball alumni, mother of two, and a competitive beach volleyball athlete.
I currently provide one beach volleyball court at my personal residence for the Big Sky Elite beach volleyball
players to train at. I love hearing the athletes train, laugh and grow in the sport of beach volleyball, but these talented
athletes deserve the opportunity to grow into this sport all-together in a safe community setting. I only have one
court at my home so the current club is split up at separate locations to accommodate the number of athletes
involved in this growing sport. My personal reasons for making a court at my home were because the safety of me,
my teammates and my children was compromised by the amount of alcohol, drugs and riffraff going on at Glen
Park.
I feel terribly for the coaches and athletes that are dealing with that scenario still, and have opened up my home
court to them as best I can to support them where our city has failed(and personally taken on extended insurance
policies and liability to protect my own family by allowing the beach club to use my home court), so I expect more
from our community if the funding is available. Beach volleyball is the fastest growing youth and collegiate sport in
the nation and is deserving of recognition and accommodations here in what’s considered one of the most
“outdoorsy” places in the nation.
The real future of bozeman is in our youth. If we commit to them, then we commit to a better future for all of
Bozeman.
Please consider approving this funding. It’s a step in the right direction to show that we care about the morals and
values of our next generation of citizens that will keep Montana the “last best place”.
Also please consider any kind of splash pad, or larger outdoor structured play areas for children next to the courts.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Laura Viren
Sent from my iPhone