Broward Commissioners Silent on Dragon Boats

• I am the captain of Blazing Paddles. Thank you to all of those who posted their support. To answer a few questions: Yes, to the best of our knowledge there was one and only one complaint. Yes, we offered to paint the container a more harmonious color, move it to an even more out-of-sight spot than where it already is, or plant fast-growing native plants around it. The Parks Director has stated he wants us out because other groups might also request to place sporting equipment in the park. (First, there has been no deluge of such request. Second, if there was, so what? Establish a procedure, approve any that, like ours, enhance the park and deny any that don't. "Problem" solved.) He earlier stated to us that he simply did not want press attention, which the complaining person overtly threatened to make happen. Of course, that is not a good reason to kick us out, even if the premise -- that kicking us out would REDUCE press interest -- had been true, which, of course, it was not. In my opinion, none of the alleged reasons makes any sense. It is correct that there is no expense to the park whatsoever for this program. The only "cost" is that we need an area about 10 feet by 50 feet from which the water is accessible. Allowing us to conduct our practices in the water actually ADDS to County revenue albeit slightly -- we pay to enter the park on weekends the same as other park patrons. It's not a lot of money, but consider that the parks are already closed on Tuesdays as a cost-reduction measure, and that rumor has it they will soon be closed on Wednesdays as well, due to ongoing budget problems. And it is correct that the park would have to pay quite a bit to provide a comparable program. They would need to spend many thousands of dollars for boats. They would then need to purchase dozens of paddle and PFDs. They would need to build storage or get a container. Then they would need the services of someone with the experience and skills to train new paddlers, steer the boat and manage the operations. We do all of that now and, as reflected in the article, we have not asked the County for one penny. Again, thank you to those who have taken an interest in this matter, and to those who have spoken out on our behalf. If you have the time, you may wish to contact the Broward COunty Commissioners to (politely) convey your thoughts. http://www.broward.org/countygov.htm

• It's about understanding. I am not a member of the Blazing Paddles team. We are friendly rivals. I do travel around the country and race dragon boats. I just returned from Prague, Czech Rep. I watched 30 teams from Europe, N Am. Austrailia, Asia, and Iran come together to compete and to share in a common bond in what is known; dragon boat racing. Ft. Lauderdale is surrounded by water. Is there a better way to introduce a water sport to our fellow residents and to develop friendship? Otherwise, the alternative is to purchase our own personal water craft and paddle on our own. Why not camouflage the container with some foliage if that is the "real" issue?

• Most of my thoughts and feelings have been represented by the above comments; however I cannot withhold my strong opinions in this matter. Blazing Paddles contributes in countless positive ways to the community and to individuals. Dragon Boats provide a healthy, fun, team-building activity for people of all ages. I have practiced and competed with this team and felt a boost in confidence and physical health, as well as gained close friends and a network of wonderful people. Having the boats at West Lake Park generates revenue on a weekly basis for the park and promotes community involvement. We have heard an abundance of beautiful, logical, and important reasons to keep dragon boats in the park... where are ANY logical or compelling reasons not to?

• It is absolutely appalling that something like this has even come up for discussion. How is it that a sport that brings only POSITIVE experiences to the community (and the world, for that matter), is being considered a nuisance? And all because of one cowardly kayaker? The Blazing Paddles team is a group of incredibly wonderful, warm, welcoming, friendly paddlers. Why anyone would want to put an end to their team is beyond me. Clearly Broward County has not listened to all the good that the team, and the sport, do for the county. How can Broward County not see the benefits of having the Blazing Paddles team in West Lake Park? Unbelievable!

• I guess my expectations, as well as those of my teammates, were incredibly high for how we thought this meeting was going to go. In regard to the preparation for this meeting, we asked plenty of questions concerning the proper procedures, followed them and made sure to inform the commissioners of our issue, quite thoroughly I might add. But it looks as if our plight has fallen upon deaf ears, or perhaps the sound of growling stomachs were too overbearing. Eviction from West Lake Park could mean DEMOLITION to our program, that is, it would cease to exist, not merely moved to another location. Broward County would be losing a very good opportunity to have a unique and rewarding activity for its community if we are forced from these waters.

• Does "a" mean one? "a kayaker complained" If one kayaker complained, why is this group being dragged through the mud? Broward County needs to wake up and see they have a really good thing happening here. I will take a guess that if the county wanted to have dragon boats in their parks, without using this group, they would be paying a lot of money. With this group, it sounds like the county does not have to pay anything. What is the problem Broward County? What is the problem? I am not typically a political person but I feel that this is bu&&sh&t and will make my voice heard loud and clear if this group is forced to leave. I make that promise.

• What has changed since the dragon boaters began this sport that warrants an end of it? If one of you on the commission board had a personal involvement in the sport, surely you would the consider the value of it. Before you put an end to something at least do it with grace and dignity by showing forth an interest in it first.

• To vote or not to vote? More government officials marred by inaction� they are given all the power in the world to decide what issues are more important and then they scoff of whatever they deem insignificant. For once, they should act on behalf of something that means a great deal, not to them, but to the people they represent. I am sickened but not surprised.

• I have become sickened with the lack of action from some politicians in this community. There has been time and effort put in place explaining the benefits of Dragon-Boating, not only for the people involved in this Team (one of the best in the state) but also for the Broward community in general. Where are those commissioners who, not long ago, came to the streets promising support to community events that would enhance the standard of living of all living here? It is time they stand up and make a decision instead of avoiding it and wasting time in detriment of the sport and the people fond of it. All support to Blazing Paddles� Robert C Valdivieso

• Do I understand correctly that all this hoopla is due to the complaint from ONE person? I find it unbelievable that with only one complaint from the park's numerous visitors, the commissioners are considering ending something that benefits several dozen residents. Maybe this team should organize for/against campaigns in the next elections depending on the outcome of the decision. Good luck, BP, Balazs V Plantation

• The Blazing Paddles need Broward Commissioners support. It cost taxpayers nothing. It is good clean fun and great exercise while enjoying Florida in its natural environment. The boats do not pollute our waterways. There are no motors. People are having fun. What is the problem here??? As a Broward County resident and voter for 30 years, I am hoping the Commissioners approve Blazing Paddles staying in the park. Come on people, there are many more problems to solve than worrying about people enjoying the park!

• this battle has been an unfortunate time consumer and cause of stress for the team and its leadership. The Broward commissioners should approve them staying in the park for the benefit of all! West Lake park is an ideal and convenient spot where can you go and try such a different sport for free. Regards, Rob Dunakin Hollywood

• The World Dragon Boat Racing Championships are currently being held in Prague and the USA contingent are doing really well. The US team are the current World champions and look likely to continue in this proud position. Teams, like Blazing Paddles are the feeder teams supplying the paddlers for participation on the World stage. Dragon Boat Racing is a sport that can be enjoyed by almost anyone at any age, it's non contact, non violent, totally team orientated and is also such a blast. Any community is enhanced by having a healthy pursuit like this taking place among them, it should not just be tolerated but actively encouraged.

• The Blazing Paddles at West Lake Park gives the residents of Broward County a place to go for an energetic workout and a simple good time. And most importantly, there�s NO COST to taxpayers. In these days of belt-tightening budgets, I can�t think of a better use of a few square feet of the Broward County Park System. Please Broward County Commissioners, use some common sense here.

• I've been with this team for about 8 months now and have never, ever been a team sport type of person. Since I joined the Blazing Paddles team, I actually have come to look forward to the tough 2 1/2 hour long practices since they are such a fun group. We practice hard, which is the reason we won the coveted World Cup this year, no small undertaking, I assure you. I am so baffled as to why any park would want any healthy, self supporting water sports team to not be allowed to participate in their parks. One arguement was that other teams might also want to store their boats there for their practices. My response? Great, let's open that one area to welcome and support others, on a first come first served basis and get more citizens out there actively enjoying fresh air and sunshine, doing non motor water sports and brinnging even more revenue to the parks. It would seem to me that a reasonable approach to handling all of this would be to look for solutions, not ousting the team. I thought that was the purpose of having parks in the first place? This got me to wondering so I googled the Florida Department of Parks and Recreation and this is their Vision statement: Vision The Florida State Park System creates a sense of place and is recognized as containing the best of Florida's diverse natural and cultural heritage sustained for future generations while providing quality and appropriate resource-based recreational opportunities, interpretation and education that help visitors connect to "The Real Florida." Am I missing something here? Please help support us, Blazing Paddles in continuing to practice our wonderful non motorized water sport at West Lake Park. And while you are at it, come join us for practice, you'll be sore the next day but have a great time with us guaranteed! Most Sincerely, Pamela Gales

• As some one who has practiced with this team and who has watched Dragon Boat competitions, it amazes me that such a unique and good-natured event could come under fire by the community. With everyone concerned about healthcare these days, we need more programs like this to encourage community members young and old to get outside and be active. Andrew Schmidt DO/MPH Student Nova Southeastern Univ

TotalComments: 16