moon

in 2009 a sign went up at the memorial centre saying site renovations and improvements were going to be taking place. very little else was explained and shortly there after there was a new climber installed and a random fancy gate. i was not impressed since the sign had implied some serious changes. time passed slowly and eventually (the following construction season) more work was done. yet another climber and playground equipment have been installed and the fancy gate was taken down and replaced with an entire new nice fence. gardens and walking paths have been installed. a new awesome outdoor pool replaced the old one, and the park directly across the street from the maxipad has undergone some major changes as well. the crappy old chainlink fence was removed, a new walking path was created with picnic benches and regular benches. in addition they've installed oodles of lovely street lamps along the paths. 2 nights ago was the first time they'd turned on all the lights at night and the whole park just glowed. looking out the kitchen patio window i remarked at how serene and safe it looked. i feel as though i could sit on one of those benches late into the night and not feel afraid. it's interesting how light creates safety and darkness creates fear and danger. i was a little worried that the new glow of the park would shine in our bedroom window making it difficult to sleep, but it's been alright.

last night at about 1:10 there were a group of people (1 man, 2 women) arguing on the sidewalk across the street from our house. york street is a busy place with the m centre, it's exciting derby girls bouts, and it's domestic disputes.  

when talk first began about plans to improve the m centre i was in the middle of plans to quit my job and leave town for a while. i was disappointed that i wouldn't get to enjoy the renovations. i'm so glad that i'm still here. i feel like i'm finally getting to experience the m centre the way it was intended to be - as a community gathering place. it's so lovely and beautiful to see people coming together and having a place to be. 

i'll know my name as it's called again.