We want to be figure skaters. Passion thrives in our hearts, but the dream becomes harder to pursue when we must travel far for a piece of that dream. We regularly commute an hour to San Francisco just to have a few hours on ice, practicing our maneuvers and strengthening our skills. We aren't unique in this; many potential skaters in Berkeley, CA face the same challenge. Our community needs a local rink, an accessible place to express our passion for skating without the burden of long commutes and high ice rink prices.

We're proposing to build a synthetic ice rink around the fountain at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. This solution doesn't just benefit aspiring skaters or Berkeley residents with a passion for skating. It also enriches our community, serving as a place for local entertainment, creating new job opportunities, and promoting physical activities.

According to a UC Berkeley study, increasing the availability of recreational facilities within communities significantly boosts physical activities (source: UC Berkeley). By creating a local rink, we don't just support budding talents; we contribute to a healthier, more engaged Berkeley.

We respectfully urge the Berkeley city council to consider our proposal. A synthetic ice rink at the Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park will bring local talent to light, encourage active lifestyles, and make Berkeley a more inclusive place for all its residents. Please sign this petition to support the construction of our local synthetic ice rink.