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If you agree with this petition, sign it, then SHARE it with your Tri-City neighbors! Also, join our "Friends of Newark Skatepark" Facebook group, or Instagram @newarkskatepark. 

• Builds community. Provides a gathering place for teens, and their families, encouraging residents to get to know one another and build friendships.

• Provides a safer skate environment. Less than 5% of all skateboarding injuries occur in skateparks. Our public streets, sidewalks, stairs, and curbs are not safe places to skate. A majority of fatal skateboarding accidents that occur in the street involve a motor vehicle.
• Improves health and well-being. Obesity is a problem in our youth. What do you call an obese skateboarder? A beginner. A free sport is an excellent way to encourage physical fitness⸺get them away from the videos games⸺give them access to fresh air and exercise!
• Lowers crime. Provides an additional, productive activity for teens⸺a place⸺a sense of belonging⸺an identity. Boredom in teens is not helpful: ask any police officer!
• Improves education. Challenges them, teaches them to handle failure, and helps build confidence⸺all of which can carry over into the classroom. A skatepark in close proximity to the library can encourage teen participate in after-school programs. We need lower drop-out rates.
• Boosts local business. When residents aren't interested in their neighborhood, they are less likely to "hang out" and use its services. Additionally, visitors from other cities will come to use the skatepark, buying lunch and "gasing up" before returning home.
• Enhances, improves, and revitalizes our city. They're downright cool! Makes our city look hip. Gives Newark teens a sense of PRIDE!