Take a bow, Collis and Helen
The Chronicle 30 November 2002
I must applaud the attitude of Collis and Helen Blake in being determined to stick with the Adventure Park in Levin in the face on continued attacks by vandals.
They saw the forlorn site which had become a wasteland after the derelict Levin School was left to rot and the vision to see what it could be.
And because of their perseverance and philanthropy they turned it into a show-piece for Levin. They ploughed through the red tape to secure the site then doggedly set about raising the money through donations of cash and kind to get the project started.
This was a massive and daunting undertaking for a couple of private citizens armed with little more than good in their hearts and a desire to do something for the community. But they did it. They fostered a community spirit and got others to rally round. Now Levin has another asset worth looking after. And it's more than just somewhere nice for locals to go.
It also achieves the aims groups like Go Levin, Enterprise Horowhenua and the Horowhenua District Council all want.
It makes other people stop on their way through the town and that's vital.
If people don't stop on their way past they won't spend any money here.
So the Blakes' promise to stick with the project despite what has been euphemistically termed “negative activity” is something admirable.
When vandals attack a community facility they attack us all and we all end up paying in one way or another.
One couldn't blame the Blakes for becoming frustrated and questioning their future involvement but they are battlers and don't give up easily .
To know that one just has to recall their involvement with the Provincial Support Group in the 1980s when Government reforms were threatening farmers' livelihoods and banks, were chucking them off the land.
And council chief executive Greg Boyle can't be blamed for noticing what was going on and prudently suggesting the council might make some provision for the future in case it needed to put in some money.
He and the council have recognised what a treasure the park is and want to ensure its future. Good on them.
Blakes and the park
The Chronicle 3 December 2002 – Letter to the Editor
Sir,
In your issue of November 23, is your article by Stephen Bell on the Blake family sticking with the park. Good on you Mr Blake for your attitude. Very positive.
"On Wednesday night Mr Boyle suggested it might be prudent for the council to have a budget programme should it need to take on responsibility for the park.”
I would suggest that Mr Boyle sticks to his job and let the Blake family do theirs.
Your council sat on their hands for a long time when that area was an eyesore.
It was only when Collis Blake came along and turned it into the beautiful area that it now is and gave a lot of pleasure to hundreds of children. Good on you Mr and Mrs Blake.
F. SULLIVAN,
Levin