(SIGNATURES ONLY, DO NOT DONATE TO THIS PETITION, PLEASE DONATE TO US DIRECTLY) Thankyou. :) -Alex

River Skatepark was wrongfully demolished without warning to the shock and dismay of the many citizens from all around that enjoyed the park. Board members and city representatives failed to notify or ask the public on an opinion for the much beloved park. Albany Georgia already had very little Activities for the youth and cannot afford to keep losing Activities. Many other Thriving Cities have Skateparks. Below is a backstory of The Legacy of River Skatepark, its positive effects on the city of Albany and how Residents feel. 

For a great number of years River Skatepark has provided Impactful memories to residents of the city of Albany and surrounding counties, while also providing safe and affordable Hobbies for children and parents, and for some the skate park was an escape from situations at home outside of their control. Many Residents are distressed, heartbroken and even outraged by the sudden demolition of Albany's one and only skatepark and its beloved ramps. Here is why Albany and its Citizens need Another skatepark.

Some May perceive a skatepark to just be a niche, while skateboarding is just one captivating activity a skatepark provides so much more than just somewhere to ride a Board. Residents can perform many activities on the rails and ramps of the park besides just skating. Some additional activities range from Riding Bikes, Scooters, Parkour, and even just a cool place to hang out with friends. There are very few places in the city to hang out at the moment and none as unique and as impactful as the river skatepark has been over the last years. Dating back to as far as 7 years ago the park has maintained a 4.5-star rating since its inception; this rating is higher than All American Fun Park (4.3) and the Albany Mall (3.8), Arguably Albany's Only other areas to hangout regarding the same age. River Skatepark is one of Albany's last cool places to make Memories together, and one of the last reasons for surrounding areas to visit the city, to kneecap the city of a major Area for activity would not only dishearten residents but could have grave lasting impacts on the city's tourism.

River Skatepark was an Insightful way for Children and adults alike to get into new hobbies and get active for little to no cost. It is no secret that Many are struggling to get by in the current economic landscape and just cannot afford to splurge on expensive hobbies or to take the kids out often anymore. River skatepark was free to all that wished to visit. In the Barren scape of Albany there isn't much for children to do, and the skatepark was one of the last activities. With nothing else to do children would have nothing else for entertainment, this lack of purpose could lead children and even residents down the wrong path only adding to Albany's crime rate, furthermore throughout history innate Boredom has been linked to depression. On one Facebook page: The Dougherty-Lee County Moblog Concerned Citizens have made comments Stating, "My son loved going there" and "I'm crushed my son was really getting into skateboarding and the scooter" in response to the Sudden destruction of the beloved park. Without a skatepark many citizens may lose one of their only affordable hobbies, parents will feel financial and mental pressure with kids, and if nothing is done the already high crime and drug rate could increase within the city.

(residents and children are sad to see the park about to be destroyed)

Finally, the skatepark can be an escape for many within bad situations at home or those that have nothing. I Bonded with my best friends in childhood through skating and with those   

very same friends and many more I discussed the destruction of our cities beloved skatepark. When I was younger, I attended the skate park with friends and it would always cheer me up, I would joke it was my escape from reality. For some the skate park really was an escape, I met several awesome people at the skatepark that came from rough situations at home or to cheer up. River Park was more than just fun for some, it was a refuge from hardships out of their control, somewhere you could be yourself and relax with friends or talk to someone.

In conclusion River Skatepark was a notable landmark of Albany and without it things just wouldn't be the same. The park was a hub for memories, Friendships, Hobbies, Values, mental health, and just so much more. Citizens of Albany need a skatepark up to the standards of the Legacy of the Beloved River Skatepark, for Citizens Sake and the city as well. Representatives, I plead with you to take these concerns into consideration for Albany's sake.  

Thank you.