As a resident of East Tucson in Ward 2, I am deeply concerned about the deteriorating condition of the Ottman Skatepark. This petition aims to encourage the Ott YMCA to allow the City of Tucson to take over the oversight and ownership of this beloved skatepark, following the successful Venice model. By doing so, we can ensure visibility from the street, promote accessibility for all, and revitalize this valuable community space.

Personal Story:
Living in East Tucson, I have witnessed firsthand how limited recreational opportunities are for our youth. The lack of free skateboard/scooter/bike parks has left many kids without a safe place to express their creativity and develop their skills. The Ottman Skatepark has long been a beacon of hope for kids.

However, despite efforts by passionate members of our community who have tried their best to maintain it, our beloved skatepark is falling into disrepair. It breaks my heart that many residents are afraid to use it due to its closure or unsafe conditions. We cannot let this valuable asset go unused any longer!

Relevant Facts and Statistics:
1. Limited Recreational Spaces: According to Google maps, the nearest skate park is Santa Rita, 8.4 miles away from Ottman. This makes accessibility to free skateboard/scooter/bike parks from East Tucson in comparison with other parts of our city poor.

2. Community Engagement: The strong sense of community within Ward 2 is evident through various initiatives aimed at improving public spaces in collaboration with LSA, Tuscon Skatepark Alliance and others. By empowering local residents through collaborative efforts with city officials, we can create positive change together.

3. Successful Venice Model: The Venice Beach Skate Park in California serves as an inspiring example of what open parks can do for accessibility. With its high visibility from surrounding streets and active municipal oversight, it has become a vibrant hub for skaters while ensuring safety measures are in place.

Petition Request:
We, the undersigned residents of the Tucson metro area, urge the Ott YMCA to come to agreement with to the City of Tucson to transfer the oversight and ownership of the Ottman Skatepark to the city of Tucson. By adopting a model similar to Venice Beach Skate Park, we can ensure visibility from surrounding streets, promote accessibility for all members of our community, and revitalize this valuable recreational space.

By allowing municipal oversight and collaboration with local skaters and community members, we can work together to address maintenance issues promptly, implement safety measures effectively, and create an inclusive environment that encourages healthy physical activity for our youth.

Sign this petition today to show your support for empowering Tucson with the responsibility of revitalizing and overseeing Ottman Skatepark! Together, let's provide East Tucson's kids with a safe haven where they can freely express themselves while fostering a sense of community pride.

[End Petition]