For the last five years, approximately 10–20 community members, mainly youth, have been utilizing the underused tennis courts at Summerlea Park as an informal skate park. This space has transformed into a lively centre of activity, creativity, and community, providing a safe and positive venue for young people and residents to engage in activities such as skateboarding, biking, scootering, and rollerblading.

Over time, community members have actively added small skate obstacles to improve the space. These grassroots efforts reflect the enthusiasm and dedication of our youth and families seeking healthy recreational options in their neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the City has repeatedly removed these obstacles, limiting access to an essential area for physical activity, self-expression, and community connection.

This summer, thanks to the launch of a free S.T.E.A.M. Skateboard Program, 15 local youth received their own skateboards and participated in positive, skill-building sessions. The program’s success has demonstrated just how much potential there is for skateboarding to inspire, empower, and unite our community; however, to truly grow, we need a dedicated, permanent space.

We belong to an underserved Neighbourhood Improvement Area, where investment in recreation is urgently needed. Skateparks are not just about skateboarding; they promote public safety, outdoor activity, creativity, and positive youth engagement. A professionally designed skatepark at Summerlea Park would offer a safe and inclusive environment for skateboarding, scootering, biking, and rollerblading, while reflecting the real needs and energy of our community.

We, the undersigned, request that the City of Toronto officially recognize the current use of Summerlea Park and transform this underutilized space into a permanent, inclusive, and safe skatepark.

This transformation would:

• Support local youth and families with a positive, accessible outlet.
• Encourage outdoor recreation, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles.
• Reflect the proven demand and usage patterns already happening in the community.
• Prevent further conflicts caused by removing community-built obstacles.
• Build on the success of youth-focused programs like the S.T.E.A.M. Skateboard Program.

Let’s support what our community is already doing: building a safer, healthier, and more active neighbourhood for everyone.

Sign today to show your support for a skatepark at Summerlea Park!