30 Reasons Ann Arbor Needs a Skatepark

  1. Skateboarders need safe places to recreate.
  2. Skateparks, if designed and constructed correctly, are fiscally conservative and require very little maintenance.
  3. Compared to other sports, skateboarding is underserved in the Ann Arbor Area.
  4. Skateboarding has millions of participants nationally and it’s still growing while more traditional sports are in decline. There are currently abundant facilities for these other sports.
  5. Skateboarding is a multi-million dollar industry.
  6. Skateboarders represent a vital part of an urban community.
  7. A skatepark can attract skateboarding tourists if designed to do so.
  8. With national health issues looming for today’s youth, it’s time to offer a greater number of healthy, athletic choices.
  9. The cost to participate in skateboarding and inline skating is accessible to every economic class.
  10. Thousands of other communities have come to understand the value of skateparks.
  11. Skating in a park is much safer than skating in the streets.
  12. Ann Arbor already has hundreds, and maybe thousands of skateboarders.
  13. In the future there are going to be many legitimate places to skate in Ann Arbor. The time to embark on that positive future is now.
  14. A skatepark is a place where skateboarders and other people who might not cross paths in the street can come together.
  15. Skateparks can displace other less desirable activities in an area.
  16. The skatepark can be an attraction for family vacations.
  17. Skateboarding is "cool," And a skatepark will enhance Ann Arbor’s reputation.
  18. Good skateparks often have volunteer teams to help maintain the facility.
  19. Skateparks can draw skateboarders away from less appropriate areas.
  20. Young and old people use skateparks.
  21. Skateparks support vibrant, healthy communities, just like many other athletic facilities.
  22. Skateboarding is mainstream.
  23. Skateboarding and inline skating are popular spectator sports.
  24. Skateparks are flexible in design and can work in many different size plots.
  25. The skatepark can be a place to go after school.
  26. Neighborhood skateparks allow younger skaters to recreate safely close to home.
  27. Skateboarding is happening with or without a skatepark.
  28. There are experts who can help Ann Arbor plan out its next skatepark.
  29. The best time to start the new skatepark is today.
  30. If a city doesn't have a skatepark, it is a skatepark.