To: City Of Winter Haven
As you may know, Winter Haven, Florida does not have a decent skatepark. With so many kids in Winter Haven picking up skateboarding, you probably wonder where all of them go. Rotary? That park is way too small and the ramps are cheap and unsafe. Skateboarding in Winter Haven has become an epidemic and without a safe place to go, skateboarders are left "out on the street" to find their own places to skate. Although most spots in Winter Haven are prohibited from skateboarders, they go there anyway because thats all they have. Police officers and security guards have their work cut out for them, not because skateboarders are bad, but because they just want a place to skate and not be hassled.
Not only will a nice skatepark be loved by the kids, but also by the parents, who would rather know their children are skateboarding in a safe environment rather than out on the streets. Getting a tough skatepark built will help decrease the amount law violations skateboarders break because we have a place to go. On top of it, businesses and stores, that have been labeled a "skate spot" will be grateful that skateboarders will be removed from their property.
Take a look at other sports and hobbies. Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Hockey, Lacrosse, Football. They all have facilities in Winter Haven or at least right outside of it. Skateboarding is growing rapidly in this community and we deserve a skatepark. Help support this issue and sign the petition.
Sincerely,
Tyler- Local Skate Boarder
PS: The deadline for a Tony Hawk Grant application is October 1st. I need 1,000 signatures by August 15th which is the first day that the new 2007 fall season application becomes available. Lets all work together to make Winter Haven the best new skate spot!
