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Jackson Park area resident supports skatepark there

May 09, 2004

Dear Editor:

I am not a skateboarder. But I am a homeowner in the Jackson Park neighborhood, and I'm writing in favor of locating a skatepark there. While I can understand the objections of those living on access roads to the park, surely all of us who live in the neighborhood understood when we bought homes here that we were adjacent to a public park.

As a minister and an adjunct professor at UK, I think I understand something of the frustrations of many young people who are often perturbed by, even alienated from, the deliberations of "adult" society. Given that Danville has budgeted the money and that assurances were given well over a year ago (at a city commission meeting which I attended); that a site is available in Jackson Park (the concrete base of abandoned tennis courts); and that safe, well-designed equipment can be purchased for the budgeted amount, it is difficult to explain to young people why this project cannot be completed. Do we really wish to send a message that adults do not keep their word or honor their commitments?

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Should the location at Jackson Park prove problematic, the modular nature of skatepark equipment makes it easily moveable to another location in the future. If traffic or misbehavior or other problems arise, let the police vigorously enforce the laws governing such behaviors. Realistically, in the same sense that it is better to provide controlled recreational space for young people than to leave them idle or scofflaws, a park returned to recreational usage may well prove safer than an abandoned park.

The citizens of Danville have been "sold" many activities in the name of "tourism and economic development" - albeit not always accurately or quite truthfully. Why will those same considerations not apply here? Many younger skateboarders, unable to drive, will be transported here by their parents, who may choose to stay and monitor skatepark activities, but who may also shop, eat, and buy fuel or other commodities while in town.

Danville has been a progressive town which has funded the construction of parks, recreational and sports venues for a wide variety of team and individual activities. What makes this different? "Build it, and they will come."

Steve Wolfgang

Danville

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