"Now that skateboarding is being recognized
on a global athletic stage and its social and
physical benefits have been established
through research, cities should fully embrace
the value of skateparks and skate spaces.
For years, local skaters have had to
advocate and raise funds for these parks.
They’ve paved the way, and it’s time for the
municipalities to put real support behind
skateparks like other valuable recreation
facilities. No longer should skateparks take
10 years of local grassroots fundraising.
Skatepark Advocacy will still have its place
- the local skaters must be involved to
make sure their needs are met and quality
skatepark design is achieved. That process
of civic engagement empowers citizens with
new skills and [literal] concrete proof of
community progress: a capital improvement
project that provides an accessible platform
for individual and community growth. These
parks are testaments to a community’s
commitment to the health and well being
of its citizens. It's up to cities and skaters to
work together to ensure that everyone has a
safe and functional place to ride."
- Tony Hawk -