Re: “Mess at Clover Point needs to be fixed,” letter, Jan. 9.

The letter claims that the pedestrianization of Clover Point is “little used” and has “failed in spectacular fashion.” I wholeheartedly disagree: the former parking area was a poor use of prime waterfront parkland that limited the usability for many others.

I don’t know how often the writer actually goes down there, but I have visited Clover Point nearly every day, year-round, for the past several years, and I have seen an increase in usage with the new design.

On two visits this past week, I counted more than 30 people using the former parking area — and that was on weekdays in early January. On nice days, all the lounger chairs are often full, and people frequently use the tables for picnicking, while many others play, stroll and enjoy the views.

The writer makes the tired argument that Clover Point is so cold and windy that the only way to enjoy it is to sit in your car. Tell that to the tens of thousands who stroll on the breakwater each year, which experiences similar conditions. While Clover Point can be cold and windy at times, as someone who visits nearly every day, I can confirm that those days are the exception.

The writer claims to be concerned about access for seniors and disabled ­people, but many don’t drive and don’t have access to a car.

The changes have made it safer for children, seniors and the disabled to use the space without worrying about being hit by a reversing vehicle. For disabled people who want to access Clover Point by car, there is a generous supply of handicapped parking on the east side, which I don’t think I have ever seen to be full.

I am very grateful that this beautiful spot has been converted from a parking area to an actual park.

Steven Murray

Victoria

Re: “Mess at Clover Point needs to be fixed,” letter, Jan. 9.

The letter pretty well said it all in a nutshell.

Victorians have been robbed of one of our most favourite year-round pastimes, storm watching, or just plain hanging out there in our cars, all year round.

City hall had promised to revisit ­Clover Point in 2024. I am sure that 99.9% of Victorians want to see it put back to the way it was.

So when you politicians come canvassing at my door ahead of the next election, I’ll be asking the question, when are you gonna revisit and fix Clover Point, or do we need to rename it Clover Pointless?

Dave Paul

Victoria

Re: “Mess at Clover Point needs to be fixed,” letter, Jan. 9.

It was a glorious sunny crisp Victoria day … perfect. I piled my husband’s walker into the back of the car, and we went off to enjoy the day.

After some exploring, we picked up a sandwich and, with our flask of tea, headed to Clover Point.

The plan was to drive up to the picnic tables, help my husband to a table and then park the car.

Oh … not possible as you can’t get close enough to the picnic tables, and it would not be possible to walk with the walker across the grass!

One of those “you can’t get from here” moments. OK, we will park on the other side, even though the view is nothing like where the tables are.

But no parking spaces available. I noted the number of picnic tables being used. None.

This used to be a wonderful spot to drive........

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