The Center will definitely have a skateboarding focus and tap into the rich history of Carlsbad skating, but it will also help us grow the minds of our youth through expressive behavior they may not be able to experience anywhere else.

Community involvement is key!

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I am all over a park and museum, I do not however want you to sit here and romantize skaters in prose that would make and English teach raise an eyebrow.

Skaters have been a thorn in the site of city and property owners for years, destroying curbs, steps and railing. Taking quick tour through the village, you’ll find many places have been forced to install “bumps” or “obstacles” to prevent skaters from “grinding” on the edges of city and private property. The respect the skating community has shown itself had been equally blessed upon the tax payer who has to pick up the tab on these damages.

Of course there are those who would argue that a skate park will only detour these incredible artful athletes from continuing to damage property but in cities where parks have been installed, damage has not been proven to be reduced.

Before the city embraces a skate park for this community, I would like to see the skaters, take on their own community and self police these issues. I’d like to see them actively participate in volunteer efforts to repair the damage fellow skaters have inflicted on the streets, curbs and railings.

Well were on the subject of changes in attitudes, it would be nice if skaters could also observe a basic rule of thumb: You are mortal. Skating in the street, weaving in and out of traffic, with black clothing, is a recipe for disaster.

I am actually a fan of the sport, so please forgive the rant, I simply want to call a spade a spade. Why should the community support this group when this group has at best avoided community support and involvement and at worst has damaged the physical structure of our incredible city.