The Town of Caledon, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Bolton, is considering relocating an arts pavilion into a beloved community soccer field. As a resident and an active member in this community, I am deeply concerned about the impact this decision will have on our neighborhood and the well-being of our children.

Currently, this field serves as one of the few available spaces for our local children's soccer teams, offering a safe and healthy environment for them to engage in sports, develop teamwork skills, and build friendships. Moving the arts pavilion to this location would not only disrupt our neighborhood with increased traffic and noise, but it would also remove access to one of the few recreational areas available to our youth. Our children already face limited opportunities for outdoor activities due to the scarcity of playing fields in the area.

The proposed relocation could have long-term detrimental effects on our community. According to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, children aged 5 to 17 years require at least 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity. Taking away a vital soccer field contradicts these guidelines and denies our children the benefits associated with regular physical exercise, such as improved cardiovascular fitness, strength, motivation, and mental health.

We believe that arts and sports are both integral to a balanced community. However, it should not be a case of one being sacrificed for another. We propose that alternative locations for the arts pavilion be considered, locations where it can thrive without disrupting residential harmony or limiting our children's sporting opportunities.

Let's stand together to protect this vital part of our community's fabric. We urge the Town of Caledon and the Rotary Club of Bolton to seek a solution that accommodates both the need for cultural development and the preservation of children's recreation spaces.

Please sign this petition to voice your support for maintaining the soccer field in its current state and finding a more suitable location for the arts pavilion. Together, we can ensure that our community continues to serve both its cultural and sporting needs, benefiting everyone involved.