My story echoes that of numerous young kids and adults from Haverhill: our skatepark desperately needs an upgrade and improved safety measures. The existing facilities are outdated, under-stocked for the enthusiasm we share for skating, and horrifyingly converted into a dumping ground for drug paraphernalia. Today, we are calling for immediate change through this petition.

Our park, once a haven for skateboarders and enthusiasts alike, is now plagued by drug users who not only abuse the space but also litter it with needles and trash. This situation takes a severe toll on the safety and well-being of young children who visit the park for recreational purposes. According to a 2019 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 45% of teenagers are exposed to drugs on a daily basis. In our Haverhill, the skatepark adds to this risk alarmingly.

In a city that already lacks sufficient outdoor activities that engage the youth, the degradation of the skatepark adversely affects the only available outdoor space open to youngsters like myself. Hence, we are asking for urgent intervention not only in terms of upgradation but also in regularly maintaining the hygiene and security of the Haverhill Skatepark.

Help us reclaim the skatepark and convert it into a positive, safe, and active space for Haverhill's youth. Join our cause in returning the park to the eager skateboarders who deserve to utilize it free of worry. Sign the petition today!