Nike’s departure not exactly a surprise

I’m not surprised that Niketown is trying to bail out of Triangle

Square.

Regardless of the management in place, it appeared that there was

never a “vision” for the mall.

Perhaps now is the time to revisit my suggestion from a year ago

and seriously consider the basement area, the site of several failed

markets, as an indoor skate park/youth recreation venue. It’s a safe

location and could be used to attract more youth-oriented businesses

to the mall.

City officials have acknowledged many times the need for at least

one more skate park in the city.

This would provide an all-weather venue for just such a facility.

If combined with the right mix of businesses -- an expanded food

court and a game arcade, for example -- to compliment the existing

theaters, bookstore and Virgin Megastore, it could be a perfect

location for parents to take their children for a day of recreation.

GEOFF WEST

Costa Mesa