Roughly 7 years ago, after issuing multiple warnings to the town’s youth and skate community, Stafford Township officials made the decision to semi-permanently close the skate park located in Nautilus Park in the Ocean Acres section of Stafford Township.  When the decision was made to close the park, the town officials did, however, have the foresight to realize that there may come a time when our community may be ready to reopen the park.  Instead of filling in the all-concrete park with soil, which would have most likely compromised the integrity of the park’s condition, it was filled in with gravel and simply topped off with soil.

Despite the togetherness and sense of community post-Hurricane Sandy, an epidemic in Ocean County has forced us to attempt to curtail drug-related overdoses.  As a community we feel that NOW is the time to help our area’s at-risk youth and young adults by reopening the Nautilus Skate Park.  The reasons for closing the park were simply disciplinary and it is worth noting that the group of individuals that caused the closing have likely moved on.  The new community of skate enthusiasts treat all of the other area skate parks and facilities with respect and appreciation.  We fully expect those manners and conduct to carry over to the Nautilus Skate Park as well.  If you agree that opening the Nautilus Skate Park would be a positive force in the lives of the local youth while subsequently rewarding the new crop of respectful and responsible young skate community members, then please sign this petition to help inform the Stafford Township Mayor & Council that these types of options will help prevent drug use and vandalism while promoting health and small business.