PUBLISHED
in the MALIBU TIMES, September 28,2016-09-28
Pro
Skate Park
I
am very happy to learn that Malibu is considering constructing a skateboard
park in the Trancas area and that another will be built at the Bluffs
("Skate park considered for new city land at Trancas," September 15).
Skateboarding
is one the best things that has ever happened to young people. I have spent a great deal of time over the
last three years in dozens of skateparks in Southern California, accompanying
my grandson and his friends.
In
addition to the obvious fitness benefits,
skate-boarders develop enormous self-discipline, as they patiently
practice their moves hundreds of times before succeeding.
The
atmosphere is typically friendly, and the spirit is cooperative, with
skateboarders coaching and helping each other, and valuable friendships are
made. Skateparks are safe places where young people can have the social
interaction needed at their age.
An
instructive model of a successful and secure skatepark is the Cove, on Olympic
and 14th Street in Santa Monica. It is
gated and a supervisor is on duty at all times. Membership is a modest $80 a
year and a daily pass is $3 for ages 6-17.
Research
shows that skateboarding is a safe sport, provided skaters wear protective
gear; a study published in the Journal of Trauma in 2002 reported fewer serious
injuries per participant from skateboarding than from football, basketball and
bicycling.
Stephen
Krashen
No comments:
Post a Comment