It may not get immediate results, but it certainly got city council’s attention.
A hand-written letter from student Mitchell Brown asking council to consider building a skateboard park in College Heights “got a fair bit of traction,” said Coun. Brian Skakun at council Monday.
In his letter, Brown urges council to build a skateboard park in the area because it’s a healthy activity, it’s a positive activity for youth, his friend’s mothers are tired of driving them to the downtown skateboard park, and there are lots of available spots in College Heights.
“I would like you and council to think about my request because lots of kids will use it and it will make them happy,” Brown wrote.
About 70 of Brown’s friends and classmates also signed the letter.
“I think it’s absolutely amazing that they got involved at that level,” said Skakun. “These are our future leaders. Usually you say you have to plant the seed to get things going. I think they’ve planted a whole lot of seeds.”
Mayor Lyn Hall said a skateboard park for College Heights was identified during TalkTober events in College Heights a couple of years ago and would put Brown in touch with some of those in the area who have already called for a skateboard park.
A skateboard park could be included in a new destination park, which is already on the books for College Heights, added Coun. Jillian Merrick.
Darren Fitzpatrick Bravery Park in the Hart is an example of a destination park. That park cost several hundred thousand dollars, said city manager Kathleen Soltis and the Rotary Club and Hart community pitched in about $35,000.
“The community can help make it happen,” said Merrick.
