Oklahoma City skateboarders and local community members have come together to advocate for constructing a new skatepark at Route 66 Alternative Sports Park.
A petition has been launched to garner support for the much-needed addition to the popular sports park along the iconic Route 66.
The current skatepark at Route 66 Alternative Sports Park has been in use for over a decade, and while it has served as a hub for skateboarders in the area, it is now showing signs of wear and limited functionality.
Skateboarders are calling for a new and improved skatepark that will meet the needs of the growing skateboarding community and provide a safe and enjoyable space for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
Brent Joines, who started this petition states. "Our goal is to build a world-class skatepark replacing the very rundown and outdated existing Route 66 Alternative Sports Park and we are asking our elected officials to support this important outdoor community use of space."
"We believe that kids of all ages need more gathering places for recreation and outdoor activity." Joines said, "skateboarding is accessible, inexpensive and creative. It's a lifestyle that appeals to kids, parents and adults who grew up skating and want to pass a love of this sport to the next generation. Our skating community wants a place to enjoy, practice and share with visitors. And, our youth need a place to learn and grow."
He added. "These days, we all need more accessible outdoor spaces to play. Our current local skateparks are overcrowded, rundown, and dangerous. As residents, we know that our outdoor spaces are one of our BEST community attributes."
"This is particularly true for school-age kids who have outgrown the playground or don't play organized sports. Skateboarding is a great outlet for these kids," he said.
"This project will also have a positive impact on our community. Skateparks are incredibly popular!" He explained. "With thoughtful design and engineering, they can be used by skateboarders, inline skaters, roller skaters and often scooters and stunt bikes."
"Visit any public skatepark and you will see an incredibly high use of public land per square foot." He continued. "A skatepark will increase the use of our public, tax-funded park. It will also provide an outlet for the ever-growing sport of skateboarding and showcase Oklahoma City, OK as a place where the community comes together to support this great sport."
Please sign the petition here.