Our Donation to Eastmont Metro Parks

We have proposed donating the materials and labor to build a small (approx. 36' x 53') skatepark to Eastmont Metro Parks. It was initially recommended by the Parks Advisory Board that we utilize Kenroy Park right across the street from Sterling Middle School and Eastmont Jr. High. The playground equipment that is there now is very outdated and does not meet code. Twice in a row voters did not pass bonds to replace the unsafe playground equipment. Hopefully in the future it can be replaced. Our small skatepark donation will only take up a mere 1%, yes only one hundredth of the entire park's usable space. Needless to say there is still 99% of the park for placement of future playground equipment and other activities & usage. Community for Wenatchee Valley Skateparks is offering to improve Eastmont Metro Parks and we are open to an alternate location at Tedford or Eastmont Park. Skateboarding continues to grow rapidly and if we don't give kids a safe, user friendly place to skate, where are they supposed to go? Skateparks are much quieter than most other sports & recreational activities according to sound studies that have been done. It is statistically much safer than most assume and is great exercise!  The design we have submitted is all above ground with features ranging from 8 inches high to a maximum 3 feet high (great for younger skaters and beginners). We requested that the Parks Dept. send a letter out to the surrounding neighbors. Only one letter was received opposing the location prior to the meeting. Than at the December meeting several neighbors showed up with 70 signatures in hand opposing the location. It was close to unanimous that there is a strong need for a skatepark as there isn't a single one in East Wenatchee. It's the "not in my backyard mentality" that got in the way.There are lots of stereotypes about skateboarding, most of which are statistically untrue. There are close to 200 skateparks in the State of WA alone and hundreds more around the U.S. Most of these have been a huge succcess and built in the last 5 to 10 years. If you have a child who owns a skateboard, but really has no place to use and enjoy it- Please add your name to this petition and forward to your family & friends who live in East Wenatchee or the immediate area. If you know anyone who enjoys participating in or watching skateboarding- Please add your name to this petition and forward as well. Thank You for your support!!! Mike Leeds, Community for Wenatchee Valley Skateparks