As an avid skateboarder in the State College area, I can confidently say we need a public skatepark. Currently, there is one skatepark in the area, located at Tussey Mountain. Tussey provides a great service, but is too far away and too expensive. For a school with 40,000+ students, we need to do better. Besides this one skatepark, there is currently no other "legal" area to skate at Penn State. This has lead to skateboarders skating on campus, downtown, parks, and like areas. The solution to stopping skateboarding on campus is simple, build us a public skatepark or provide a space for us to build it ourselves. 

Why are we so passionate about this issue? I feel as if I can speak for all skateboarders in saying skating has brought us many benefits. Personally, I have made countless friends in the skate community and have felt nothing but acceptance. Also, skateboarding is a healthy outlet for many young people to express themselves. In a world dominated by social media and an internet presence, lets encourage more time spent outdoors. 

Building a skatepark would show the local youth their voice can be heard. This would provide a chance for youths, government, and local civic organizations to work alongside one another. This skatepark could provide the forum for visitors young and old, beginning and skilled, to meet and share experiences.