Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?
As I was pushing along on my early morning power walk, I spotted an interesting sign at the Kits Beach Tennis Courts about a local tennis player:
On July 5th, 2014 Vasek Pospisil became the youngest Canadian to win a tennis Gran Slam in a dramatic final match for the Wimbledon Gentlemen’s Doubles title. As a young man, Vasek trained on these courts at Kits Beach. We celebrate Vasek’s talent, courage and perseverance in becoming a champion.
This tribute is surrounded by three “do this, don’t do that” signs. And then I started noticing lots of signs – but so many of them are so negative.
Here are a few of the ones I think are more positive to counter-balance all that negativity:
1) On a cairn West of the Boathouse restaurant:
George Alexander burrows, Oct. 9, 1910 – July 8, 1987
To commemorate the life and dedication of George Alexander Burrows Supervisor and Guardian of Vancouver beaches and pools for 40 yrs. 1931 – 1971. This plaque donated by Vancouver Lifeguards in co-operation with the Board of Park and Recreation. Dedicated May 23, 1988
2) The Gyrochute – sign with photo east of the pool from the Kitsilano Memoires Project celebrates the centennial of the neighbourhood: written by Lisa Smedman of the Vancouver Courier; in an interview with Marilyn Muckle: Edward (Ted) Luckett was a lifeguard at Kitsilano in the 1930’s.
In March 1944, local inventor, Edward Brooks wanted to test out his new invention a “gyrohcute” with three revolving vanes that looked like helicopter blades mounted atop a pole. The device was supposed to be used by people trapped on the upper floors of burning buildings that the fire ladders of the day couldn’t reach. Brooks offered Luckett two dollars if he would jump with it from the tower diving platform at Kitsilano pool. The test was a bust. Luckett plummeted into the water as if the gyrochute wasn’t even there.
3) Not really a sign: have you noticed the weather vane at the East end of the pool, with the woman swimming?
4) Vancouver Biennale Open Air Museum, in front of the Boathouse restaurant, Echoes by Michel Goulet.
5) Quote etched in stone, east end of the beach and west of the field house: Vancouver in the Rain by Regan D’Andrade December 1999.
6) Doubles Challenge Court on the volleyball court: Court 1 – permanent beach volleyball post – Jim Clive – Volleyball BC Hall of Fame and Founder and President of the Kits Beach Volleyball Association.
Last modified: April 24, 2019
