This petition is on behalf of those who feel that their concerns surrounding the new proposed skatepark in Clarington will not be heard. The first concern to address is the lack of opportunity for community involvement in the proposal itself.  A survey has been released containing a description of the facility, its location, three modular skatepark options and a suggestion box for further input (URL provided at the bottom). This survey is limited and there appears to have been no broader survey prior for the neighbouring houses of the Diane Hamre Recreation Centre, the community of Newcastle or those that will frequently visit the park from neighbouring communities. This denies a larger body of participants involvement in the parks location and construction. It limits the opportunity to request other information, including potential bylaws that will surround this new park and may address the concerns of many members in its community. The second major issue is the proposed timeline in conjunction to when the survey was released. It gives little to no time for any opposition or deeper considerations. From the lack of creativity in the park design options to the lack of materials and resources to build and maintain a safe yet fun public space. A hastily built modular skatepark (or prefab park) could create more issues than benefits, such as unnecessary amounts of noise pollution, compromises to safety and other problems that can be avoided or minimized with further consultation and consideration. The third major issue is the lack of maintenance at Newcastle's neighbouring skateparks. Such as Hampton, Orono and Bowmanville (URL to photo album provided below). There is concern about whether or not the municipality will properly maintain this new facility and all of its requirements given the evidence of its neglect to existing ones. If successful this petition would push against unilateral decision making by the municipality of Clarington and advocate for a delayed timeline and revised plan for the proposed facility in Newcastle. As well as but not limited to increased community involvement on this project and others in the future and the required maintenance for the existing facilities in neighbouring communities. Below are a few links to the original survey, two photo albums, various articles, two documentaries and other resources to outline the historical relevance of skateboarding in Canada and the importance of quality facilities. As well as examples of how the municipality can work more inclusively with its communities for improved park development and the issues that will arise when these needs are not met.

The original municipal survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BFJT58S?fbclid=IwAR27XaUUkwamrRSrC7s9PX-J7gtE4Ih56l8HtDMwi_rI_yCbdmFsD2lVQpA

A blogpost and breakdown of the specific plans proposed in Newcastle by Scott Loyst: https://scottdreamsofskateparks.blogspot.com/2020/05/newcastle-is-about-to-blow-it.html?m=1

the contact sheet for two of representatives of the municipalities parks department where you can more directly voice your concerns(please sign the petition as well): https://engageclarington.ca/outdoor-recreation/widgets/41322/team_members 

An album of documented damage at local Clarington parks: https://www.facebook.com/will.scott.984786/posts/1977221725743583

An album of smaller scale concrete skateparks in rural Ontario communities: https://www.facebook.com/will.scott.984786/posts/1977434749055614

The city of Toronto's "Skateboarding stragety" plan and the Toronto Skateboarding Committee's website: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/992d-Skateboarding-Strategy.pdf
http://www.torontoskateboarding.com/

The website for the Vancouver Skateboard Coalition with statements from the mayor, city counsellors and the parks departments endorsing structured plans to meet the needs of Skateboarders in their communities (Located at the bottom of the page, If you're on a mobile device please select the desktop version option that will show up): http://www.vsbc.ca/

"Guide to sports tourism" by Destination BC: https://www.destinationbc.ca/content/uploads/2018/08/TBE-Guide-Sport-Tourism-Jun2013_2.pdf

"Dire Skate" A Montreal based documentary showing the struggles the skateboarding community went through with their municipal and the provincial governments to obtain the proper facilities. Directed by Dan Mathieu and produced by Carey Smith: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/videos/dire-skate-full-documentary

"The Devil's Toy" a short 1966 Montreal based documentary showcasing the historical relevance of skateboarding in Canada, this film is dedicated to all of the victims of intolerance. Directed by Claude Jutra and produced by Les Films Cassiopées for the National Film Board of Canada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ssRcF_Ql2k&t=214s

I genuinely hope that this petition and the resources offered will help a broad spectrum of people understand the importance of alternative forms of athleticism. Such as skateboarding or riding a bmx and the relevance of maintaining a certain level of quality at these types of facilities. Ultimately if you are okay with the plans for the park and its timeline then no one can ask you to refute that. Again this petition is on behalf of those who feel as though they do not have a proper outlet for their concerns. This is not the first petition to be done here due to the actions of the municipality and it will not be the last until these concerns are heard. Thank you to everyone who is reading this for their time and consideration. I would also like to stress how important it is to me that all of the concerns are addressed, beyond skateboarders and bmx riders in the various communities of Clarington. 

 

Sincerely,

Will Scott

encl.