The Most Innovative Kids

To the Editor:

Skateboarders. You may see them in parking lots around town — maybe you don’t notice them at all or maybe you view them as a nuisance. I have to tell you that these are some of the most innovative kids around. Their skill is mostly self-taught and many are amazing at their craft. They thrive on a challenge and spend many, many hours practicing a trick before they can land it and many more before they can land it consistently. Their dedication is to be admired.

Problem is, they have no where to go. They are not allowed anywhere! They aren’t even allowed to skate at our public parks. Although, technically not a team sport, they thrive on skating together and watching each other’s tricks and skills. Skating in their driveway gets old quick. They need ramps and rails to further their skills and motivation.

Many dollars have been spent on our parks, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, etc. Why are we leaving this group of creative kids out? I understand that if you don’t have a child that skates it’s not something that you think about or want to spend money on. But we do use our tax dollars for many other groups — why not them?

Please consider donating a few dollars to Donate to Skate (donatetoskate.com).

Their goal is to offer kids a safe place to skate in Newtown. The town has offered them a site at Fairfield Hills and the group will build a professionally designed skate park which they will donate to the town.

I haven’t personally been involved with this group but plan to be. I want to support my son who is passionate about the sport. I want to find him a place to skate.

Joanne Sherwood

58 Robin Hill Road, Newtown                              November 11, 2008