Land Bank Should Engage On Indoor Recreation

To the editor: To say I am out of my comfort zone is a slight understatement…I do not typically chime in on public topics….oh, I have opinions, that is for sure, but voicing them in public is a scary thing to do. But, this area hits home, so here I go out into the open….wish me luck!

It came to my attention a couple weeks back that the Land Bank was going to open their meeting to the public and hear people’s input on Land Bank and indoor recreational facilities. I, for one, want to take a moment to thank them for their willingness to engage in conversations with the community about how we can best support our island! Kudos to them!!!

I find it refreshing that the Land Bank is open to exploring what they can and cannot do as an organization. That they are willing to review their charter and match it up with changes and needs within the community is truly appreciated. Some may believe this kind of project stretches the boundaries of their charter, and they may be right. But as an island resident, who is building a life here, I, along with, many other members of the community, are simply asking everyone to be open to thinking differently—it isn’t just about land or a building—it’s about rethinking what it means to invest in the well-being of the people who live here, young, old and in-between!

Growth doesn’t mean we forget our past or ignore what has made Nantucket what it is today. Instead, it’s about respecting our history while being open to new ideas—finding ways to grow and adapt without losing sight of the values that make this island special, community, and connection.

This is about more than providing a rainy-day space for kids—though that need is real! This is about addressing a long-standing gap in our shared infrastructure. It’s about giving families, seniors, and all islanders and visitors of every background a reliable space to gather, move, play, and connect. A space that promotes mental health, physical wellbeing, and year-round quality of life. A place where a community can connect.

I have seen firsthand what's possible. The NRSA, built on Land Bank property, is a living example of what happens when vision and community needs align. It has become a vital hub for our family and many others—a place where people of all ages come together to play and connect. What if we could build something equally essential, but with even broader use?

This facility could be an investment in Nantucket’s present and future. It could be inclusive, flexible, and grounded in the same values that guide the Land Bank’s stewardship of this island—preserving not just land, but quality of life.

I don’t think the Land Bank can or should solve this alone. Frankly, I admit that I don’t know all the details about what it takes to make something like this happen, but I’m ready to participate in the conversation and see where it leads. I hope others feel the same and will join in too! Let’s all work together, as a community - to find partners, create a thoughtful plan, and ensure this idea reflects the best of what Nantucket can be. But we need land. We need vision. And we need you—Land Bank. We need moms and dads, coaches, retirees, business owners, summer residents, and everyone in between. I, for one, believe that protecting the health and well-being of this community goes hand-in-hand with protecting the land. I believe both can exist together—and make this island stronger!

Sincerely,
Graham Veysey
Mom, Neighbor, Coach, Small Business Owner