Every day, skateboarders are getting harassed and fined in Clark County for skating on streets, but really, what choice do they have? The city of Vancouver needs to build a skatepark near Clark College so skateboarders, bikers, scooter riders of that area have a place to ride, since the only other skatepark is a 20-minute drive to the other side of town at Pacific Community Park. A skatepark is an effective way to keep skaters off of the dangerous streets.
Being a skater myself, I understand that skating on the streets and private property is dangerous for myself and pedestrians and is sometimes illegal. But without a nearby skatepark to go to, I am often left with no choice.
Folks could argue that skateparks are a common site for noise, drugs and trouble, but in fact, skateparks are a place where diversity is welcomed and people make new friends and have fun doing what they love. The average price of a well-built, 10,000-square-foot concrete skatepark, which requires little to no maintenance, is $350,000.
Skating is an art form, a great way to get out of the house for exercise, and a way to keep youngsters out of trouble, so let’s build them the skatepark they deserve for the good of our community.
