A top-quality free public skatepark will be:

• Good for the Nederland community. This park facility will be the first development of the area designated as Nederland’s “Gateway Park.” As such, it will kick-start the greater park project, forcing consideration of issues such as parking, lighting and restrooms, and creating demand for further park improvements. The Nederland skatepark is just one of the numerous efforts underway to improve the Nederland community, including the Ice & Racket Park, Community Center and DDA.

• Good for today’s youth. Skateboarding provides a healthy physical activity for at-risk teens and others who don’t thrive in our competitive and team sport oriented culture. A child that doesn’t quite “fit in” can excel at this free-style sport that can be pursued in one’s own way at times of one’s own choosing. Skateboarding, when pursued in a park setting, offers a safe and fulfilling pastime for youth that might otherwise find themselves involved in less wholesome activities. The skatepark is a place where young people of different backgrounds and mindsets can interact positively.

• Good for yesterday’s youth. While you weren’t watching, the first generation of skateboarders, who grew up dodging the police and angry merchants while pursuing their passion, have grown up. Been to a skatepark recently? Yes, that was a middle-aged dude with a beer gut you saw carving up those concrete bowls. 40% of the user respondents to our skatepark survey were over 21.

• Good for the Nederland-area economy. A top-notch skatepark draws skateboarders from near and far, bringing increased business for local restaurants and shops. Two Colorado examples: Carbondale and Trinidad (Require free Adobe Acrobat Reader).