Parking lot would become like a park-and-ride

Thank you for being a voice — save the wildlife. This area is precious with bald eagles and blue herons which will leave as soon as humans start to encroach.

I am sure everyone agrees that they would rather look at the beautiful view of the wetlands and pasture, which is there now vs. a parking lot that will quickly lose its purpose and become a park-and-ride.

When you purchase a home that is across from open space you don’t expect Boulder County Open Space to replace wildlife and your view of the Flatirons with a 50-vehicle parking lot with restrooms across from your front door. You can move a parking lot before it’s built, but you cannot move a home that has been built.

It is irresponsible of Boulder County to put a parking lot half a block off U.S. 287, with a trail less than 2 miles that does not connect to any other trails. This lot will lose its purpose and become a park-and-ride for local commuters.

U.S. 287 and Jasper has no light, which has made this intersection dangerous with the high speeds between Lookout and Isabelle.

Reach out to the Parks & Open Space Advisory Committee, go to their web page, be a voice: No parking lot on 109th Street. Find a safe alternative for the community.

— Marie Hanna, Longmont

Coaches are responsible for making sports inclusive

As a former varsity lacrosse player in high school, an inclusive environment is a necessity for any team, level or sport. The dynamics between teammates can heavily impact one’s experience and comfortability on their team. At the end of the day, the main person who is responsible for implementing inclusivity and taking initiative are the coaches and leaders of each team.

Through mutual respect, team bonding, and support are able to build a foundation for inclusivity. If there are any bumps in the road, conflict and experiences of exclusivity, someone with power and authority is responsible for fixing these issues.

There are times when players are excluded because of things they cannot control such as race, gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation which is when authoritative figures must step in. Coaches and captains set the standard for how the team should treat one another. Players who are given captain or leadership positions have a responsibility to make sure every voice is heard, each player is empowered and no one is singled out. Ensuring there are enough team bonding activities prior to the season ensures the players trust one another on the field.

Coaches need to organize workshops and training sessions to educate players. There needs to be clear policies that do not allow for any discrimination or forms of exclusion. There needs to be consequences made well aware for players who are partaking in any form of exclusion. Encouraging open communication can make players feel more comfortable when expressing their thoughts and concerns. This allows for individuals to share any experiences they’ve had and help the team address issues. Allowing a comfortable environment for players to speak up on any issues or negative feelings is the first step toward an inclusive team environment.

— Sophia O’Hara, Boulder