A California ski resortās plan to erect a 20-foot tall statue of the Virgin Mary is being opposed by resort users who say they donāt want anything religious injected into their fun.
Mt. Shasta Ski Park, which is in north Californiaās Siskiyou County,Ā said it plans to put the statue at the top on one ski slope, Ā erect the statue at the top of its Douglas ski slope, according to KTVU-TV.
āThe installation of this statue is very important to our owner as this was a shared goal with her late husband and business partner, Ray Merlo,ā the resort posted on its Facebook page, noting that the platform for the statue already exists, and it will be in place next year.
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āThey have dedicated their resources to improving the Ski Park over the last few years and in the words of Robin Merlo, this statue is a promise fulfilled and a true representation of the dedication to family that we all value so much here at the Ski Park,ā the post said.
The post noted that the statueās purpose is to transcend theological differences in the name of love of all things and people.
āThe goal is not to focus on any one Religion but to acknowledge and honor the beauty and spiritual power of the mountain we all love so much,ā the post said.
A petition posted on Change.org said a statue of the mother of Christ would ruin the ambiance of the resort. Since being posted on Dec. 10, more than 1,800 people have signed the petition.
āMany of us have been skiing at our beloved local ski park in Mount Shasta since childhood. It has always been a place of joy, unity, and natural beauty. However, recent efforts to erect a religious statue threaten to disrupt this cherished environment,ā the petition said.
āThe ski park is not just an outdoor space; itās our communityās gathering spot. It is where we teach our children to ski and where we meet with friends and family during the winter months. The religious icon currently under construction threatens to alienate members of our diverse community who do not share the same religious beliefs. Local gathering places, whether private or not, should remain neutral spaces that promote inclusivity and respect for all visitors,ā the petition said.
The petition said the statue would spoil the existing view, writing, āPatrons of the ski park appreciate the natural beauty and spirituality for what it is already, without intrusive religious icons disturbing the environment.ā
The petition called for the owners to stop the project and called on the U.S. Forest
āWe suggest donating the money allocated for this project toward something that might actually benefit the community in a real way, such as a much-needed homeless shelter or detox facility,ā the petition said.
According to KTVU, representatives of both the resort and Forest Service said the resort is on private land. The resort said it had already gone through the process of gathering all required permits.
Siskiyou County SupervisorĀ Ed Valenzuela said he was not inclined to intervene to stop the statue.
āItās on private property. Itās a private business,ā he said, according to the Los Angeles Times.
āItās the holiday season. I have better things to think about than a statue going up on private property,ā he said. ā
āThe people that are against it, their response would be then donāt go to the ski park,ā he said.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.