We, the undersigned, support the creation of a designated outdoor roller skating space in Santa Cruz, California.  Roller skating is a fun, affordable way for the whole family to get active and connect to the community.  Skate plazas/rinks are a smart use of space and easy to build.  In cities like SF, LA, NY & WDC, skate plazas are not only local treasures but bustling tourist attractions and popular venues for planned events, vibrant with music, dance, joy, friendship and community. 

We want the same for Santa Cruz! The Skate community here needs it and deserves it!  

People love Roller Skating!  Already a popular activity in the bay area (Our local Roller Palladium, Aloha Rink in San Jose, SF’s Skatin Place, various other roller rinks, derby leagues and local skate meetup groups), roller skating has seen a surge in new skaters as people look for ways to exercise while remaining outdoors and maintaining distance.  In addition to all the new skaters, a large segment of experienced skaters that previously only skated indoors at roller rinks, have discovered and embraced outdoor skating.  All this interest and with no place to call their own!

Existing Skate Plazas are vibrant, beloved spaces that enjoy high public approval. Communities LOVE their outdoor roller skate spaces!  People not only come to skate but come to picnic and watch because it’s so joyful and entertaining.  Roller skate plazas are bustling destinations that combine many components of happiness: music, dance, art, expression, exercise, community, sunshine, laughter and more!  

A few success stories:

Skatin’ Place - San Francisco, CA
Venice Beach Skate Dance Plaza - Los Angeles, CA
Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion - Washington, DC
The Skate Circle - New York, NY

Black Skate Culture is a big deal!  Like other activities, roller skating trends go up/down over the years.  Interestingly, the black community has held steadfast to skating regardless of trends.  Black skate culture has figured prominently in politics, the civil rights movement and new music.  So rooted, the connection among black skaters to each other and skating, “skate family” or “skate fam” is the vernacular. The most dedicated travel to rinks all over the country to attend their choice of close to 400 skate parties scheduled every year.  While Skate families are tight and involved as ever, they still fight to exist because roller rinks aren’t as profitable as condos and big box stores.  The HBO documentary, “United Skates” chronicles blacks skate culture and the steady shuttering of rinks to make way for more profit.  We believe with the leadership of organizations like parks & rec. departments, we can keep this vital community alive and skating outside!

In summary, an outdoor skate plaza would be a positive space for Santa Cruzians and a smart build for the City.

Asset to local business - Our skate plaza will be a popular destination with visitors flowing in to visit local small businesses.
Positive Publicity for Santa Cruz - Imagine the cool factor and positive publicity this will contribute to our city!
Big bang for the buck - Relatively low build cost to create a high usage site. 
Uncomplicated & familiar construction -  A smooth level surface, similar to basketball court at London Nelsen Park would suffice.  An open air roofed structure similar to The Rink at Thompson's Point in Maine, Anacostia Skate Plaza in WDC or Harris Pavilion, would support all season use.
Inclusive activity - Recreation that serves a broad range of people: toddlers to seniors of all backgrounds and varying abilities.
Relatively low risk - all activity has associated risks though roller skating at a plaza is lower risk than a number of activities supported by and occupying space in the park system.
Community Builder - Site can host public events. Food truck pop ups, etc. It will strengthen local skate families who are involved community members that take care of each other & mentor their youth. 
Educational possibilities - Potentially host K-12 field trips.
Childcare possibilities - Location could be staffed to host After School and Summer Camp programs.  Similar programs in the Bay exist,  “Skate Like a Girl”, for example.

We truly believe this would be a wonderful addition to our unique city!  Thank you for your support.  -Santa Cruz Rollers @santacruzrollers

Incredible words & information adapted from the brilliant proposal "Build the Oakland Roller Skate Plaza" thank you, Donna Milich!