Respect For Your Local Skatepark
Reality is not everyone is lucky enough to have one. Whether you like skating yours or not, realize there were people that at least cared enough in making an attempt to support what you love doing. Unfortunately, another reality is some local parks close due to vandalism, and general mistreatment. Then where are the kids supposed to skate? Sure, street spots are an option, but you always run the risk of getting kicked out. Your local park is, and always will be a place to skate if all else fails.
You may have heard stories in the past about how a skatepark had to be closed all because of a few idiots either vandalizing it, or taking part in illegal activities within the park. This just ruins any chance of other skaters having a guaranteed secure place to skate. The sad thing is sometimes the reason this happens is because the skate scene is so minute, that there’s more non-skaters in the park than skaters who are trying to use it for it’s intended purpose.
When in the park, just be a responsible, and respectful person. Be aware of the parks rules, and encourage positive behavior. As cliche as it sounds, you can make a difference. Even if it’s cleaning up trash after someone, or wearing your helmet. The better maintained the park is, the longer is will be around for all to enjoy. Realize your park isn’t a right, but a privilege. Don’t assume you’re given the right to have a park just because there’s a few skaters in town. No one HAS to give you a local park. Just remember that, and then think of all the other skaters who would love to have a park, but don’t. I would hope it makes you think twice about taking your park for granted ever again.
Even if your local park is the last thing you would want to skate, take it for what it is, and respect it. I treat my local park (pictured above) like my second home. It’s where I’ve not only progressed greatly as a skater, but where I’ve made life long friendships. Sure it may not be the best thing to skate, but it’s about what it represents. Skateboarding. And I love skateboarding more than anything on this whole planet. If you do too, give it the respect it deserves.
