Dear Editor:
I was disturbed to read (in a June 12 news story) that district council and the recreation commission are considering renaming the William Griffin Community Centre when it reopens.
The apparent reason for the renaming: no one seems to remember much about the man.
Now, this is a sad state of affairs when someone who must have made considerable contribution to the community is so thoroughly forgotten after only 50 years. There is irony here, too, when you consider that Griffin, who was a council member, is being consigned to the land of the lost by those who sit on council today.
Perhaps a more creative (and historically respectful) approach would be to diligently research why Mr. Griffin was valued by the neighbourhood, and to post the story on a big plaque at the entrance to the new facility.
In fact, why not do the same for the many streets, buildings and parks in our community named for prominent, valued citizens of the past? This could greatly enhance our understanding of the area’s history, and our appreciation for those who made it happen.
In any case, it would be far more interesting than attaching bland, property-developer names like “Parkgate” or “Delbrook” to our public spaces.
Craig Johnston
North Vancouver
