I am a resident of York County, South Carolina and like many others here, I have no place to practice my passion - skateboarding. The lack of designated areas for this sport is not only limiting our potential but also creating safety issues as we are forced to skateboard in inappropriate locations.

Skateboarding is more than just a hobby; it's an outlet for creativity and physical activity that can benefit individuals of all ages. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, over 6.4 million people participated in skateboarding in the US in 2019 (SFIA). This number could be much higher if more communities had access to safe and dedicated spaces.

In addition, public skateparks can bring numerous benefits to communities. They provide a safe space for youth engagement, promote physical fitness and can even contribute positively towards local economies through events and competitions (Tony Hawk Foundation).

We urge the local government of York County to recognize these benefits and invest in establishing a free public skatepark. It's time we provided our young people with the facilities they need to pursue their passions safely.

Please sign this petition if you believe that everyone should have access to safe recreational spaces like a public skatepark. Let's make this change together!