Urge Tunica-Biloxi tribe to apply for skate park grant

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The Issue

Having spent my childhood and teenage years in Marksville, Louisiana, I have witnessed firsthand the limited availability of free recreational activities in our community. The absence of accessible spaces for skill-building, such as skateboarding, scootering, or BMX, has been a significant concern. It discourages our youth from pursuing new interests, making them more vulnerable to negative influences and antisocial behavior. It's disheartening to see the younger generation without a safe and engaging space for recreation and skill development.

The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana now has a unique opportunity to change this narrative by applying for a grant through The Skatepark Project's Indigenous Program. This grant can be the key to building a skate park on the grassy flat area along Volsin Drive on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation. Such a project would not only provide a much-needed recreational outlet but also foster community engagement and pride.

Skate parks are more than just concrete slabs with ramps; they are incubators of creativity, physical health, and community spirit. They offer positive alternative activities that can keep our youth engaged in constructive pursuits. According to The Skatepark Project, participating communities have seen a multitude of benefits including reduced crime rates and improved mental health outcomes among young people.

With the support of the community and tribal leadership, obtaining this grant is a realistic and achievable goal. The project needs voices like yours to advocate for this vital addition to our area. Your support in urging the leadership to pursue this opportunity can make all the difference.

Join me in urging the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe to apply for The Skatepark Project grant. Together, we can make a positive impact, providing our youth with a safe space to grow, learn, and thrive. Please sign this petition and help us bring this vision to life on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation!

 

Below is a documentary by The Skatepark Project profiling the transformative impact of a skatepark in Warm Springs, Oregon, particularly among the Indigenous community:
https://youtu.be/FKm7JiUzohQ?si=QzfK2iKIx2fO7PEG

 

The film demonstrates how a dedicated recreational space can foster youth engagement, build community pride, and provide positive alternatives in a setting where few resources are available. I propose a similar facility here, to replicate those benefits locally.

The Decision Makers

Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates