BMX and Skatepark Debates

Posted by Jodi Gallegos Oct 4, 2006

I've been reading a lot lately about the battles over where to put skateboard/BMX parks in several communities. On one side are the kids and the developers who want to build the parks. On the other side are community members who oppose having these parks near their property.

What are the arguments against the parks? Well, as we all know, kids make noise. When you get them into a group and they get increasingly active, the also become increasingly noisy. That isn't a judgment; just an observation. Some people seem to feel that having a skate/BMX park in their neighborhood will upset the domestic tranquility that they are accustomed to.

I have also read comments by people who claim to be afraid of "type" of kids who use these parks. BMX and skateboarding both have a subculture all their own. They are a little bit grunge, and a little on the edge. That doesn't make them dangerous though!

Personally, I love the sound of kids having fun. I would rather listen to the yelling and laughter of happy kids than the sound of traffic as it passes by. I worry more about kids who don't have an outlet, who don't have a place to go and ride with their friends. Those are the kids who will get bored and go looking for something to do and may end up in trouble (the whole idle hands theory).

It is a two-way street though. If your skate park is approved and placed in a community near the elderly or small children, please be respectful to them. Watch your language and be mindful as to the time of day and the noise level.