Metro Vancouver parks directors have shot down a proposal for paintball in regional parks, arguing people wearing fatigues and shooting mock weapons isn’t suitable for a public space.
Directors on Wednesday supported a staff recommendation that suggested while paintball could bring in revenue, the sport is “at odds with the social values in regional parks.”
Paintball is an extreme sport in which players compete to eliminate opponents by shooting them with capsules containing water-soluble dye.
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“I don’t see any connection between parks and public spaces to warfare,” said director Sav Dhaliwal, a Burnaby councillor. “You’re trying to shoot somebody in the chest or head … we should be promoting some civility in the world.”
The staff report didn’t provide details on the proposed business plan, which was made by a member of the public, but argued its potential benefits are outweighed by disadvantages and could result in “real or perceived user conflicts” among park users by allowing mock weapons, cause environmental damage and increase the potential for vandalism as patrons leave the park with unspent “ammunition.”
Parks committee chairwoman Heather Deal said while she loves paintball, she doesn’t believe the sport is suitable for a public park because it would require a large area of fenced-off land.
Committee vice-chairwoman Gayle Martin, a Langley councillor, and Richmond Coun. Harold Steves were the only two directors to support allowing paintball in parks.
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