Cincinnati, Ohio has beautiful parks and recreation facilities, but there’s something missing. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, skateparks are the fourth most used feature in city parks, ahead of sports fields, dog parks, and other amenities. Yet, urban teenagers aspiring to skateboard in the Olympics don’t have a place to skate. There is high demand for skate spaces in Cincinnati, and this petition is to demonstrate interest in developing a skatepark in Sawyer Point Park. 

Experts recommend 10,000 SQ. FT. of skatepark per 50,000 residents. With a population of over 300,000, Cincinnati should have six skateparks to meet the need. Despite a longstanding, vibrant skate scene, Cincinnati still lacks a full skatepark. Equity and inclusivity are issues here, with sanctioned  skateparks only found in the more affluent suburbs, while skateparks actually attract a diverse demographic, with users that include skateboarders, quad roller skaters, in line skaters, BMX bike riders, and more.

The Cincinnati Skatepark Project (CSP) began in 2022 as a citizen-led effort to advocate for safe, sustainable, inclusive public skateparks. Modern skateparks are inviting spaces that benefit physical and mental health, build community, and empower youth. Skateparks can also incorporate sustainability features (e.g., bioswales, native trees, pollinator plants) and arts/culture (e.g.,murals, sculptures, local history) to activate underserved spaces. In short, skateparks draw people to parks.

The unfortunate fire that destroyed the playground under I-471 has revived interest in Sawyer Point Park as an ideal location for a skatepark. Skateparks can work well under highways, where the cover provides some shelter from heat and rain. Concrete skateparks are low maintenance, without risk of damage by fire or flood. Des Moines, Iowa has the largest skatepark in the country, situated prominently on their riverfront, hosting major televised competitions. Many cities, including Boston, MA, Miami, FL, and Birmingham, AL have opened beautiful skateparks under highways.

A modern concrete skatepark would be a big attraction to Sawyer Point Park, complementing recent investment in pickleball courts, skating rink,  and shared use trails. Please sign this petition to show your support, and let local leaders like Cincinnati Parks know that it’s time to bring a skatepark to Sawyer Point.