Editor:
The possibility of a new outdoor gym was a topic during a recent Sweet Home City Council meeting. After a short presentation the council voted to approve one. It will be installed next to the City Hall.
I previously lived in Gladstone, a city the same size as Sweet Home. I was serving as a planning commissioner when a similar opportunity was presented. In that case the mayor wanted it located at a park a few blocks from her home.
After discussion, it was agreed that a centralized park was best, if the idea went forward. Eventually, we realized the cost for the complete installation and amount of time it would be usable didn’t quite work out. Hopefully, that won’t be the case in Sweet Home.
I’m not opposed to a gym but am concerned about the fast-track process for making the commitment. Councilor Sanchez wanted to pause and look deeper before making a decision but was over-ruled. I understand the enthusiasm for improving our facilities, but we are in really tough times.
March is the beginning of budget season. There will be many tough decisions on the City’s agenda. I encourage everyone involved to be diligent.
Les Poole
Sweet Home