TELL THE CITY YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO SKATE ANY CITY PARK!
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What's Happening?
“Phoenix is updating its Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the first time since 1989 and residents can have their say in how they want their parks to be.
The process helps the city set priorities and goals that truly reflect what residents want to see in their neighborhood parks and recreation facilities.” (via Taylor Seely, azcentral*)
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We believe skate features should be standard in neighborhood parks throughout the city for generations of skaters to come.
If you agree, then join us!
RESIDENTS CAN SHARE THEIR IDEAS AT PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD PUBLIC MEETING
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When and Where?​
The next meeting is Thursday, May 22nd, 5:00pm
at the City Council chambers, 200 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
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(Parking is available in the garage west of 3rd Ave)
I want to help! What's the move?
Offer In-Person Statement ​
Arrive between 4:00pm and 4:50pm and you will be directed to a kiosk to enter your name to give your input.​​​
​Offer Remote Statement
To speak virtually via Webex, check back here a week before the meeting for a link
Link Will Be Here
For question 3, select "5. Call to the Public"
Virtual speakers must register by May 21
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How does it work?​
Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker, however, it will feel like a very fast 2:00!
We recommend that you prepare a statement that is 1:00-1:30, so that you won't feel rushed.
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What should I say?​
We have some ideas about adding stuff like skate ledges to regular city parks. If you agree with our ideas, feel free to elaborate on any of them for your statement:
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Most skateparks are far away — putting skate features in neighborhood parks makes sure every kid has a skate community hub near their home​
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Scale of skateparks is intimidating for beginners — small obstacles in a park that you already know are more inviting, but are still fun for more experienced skaters
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Skateparks are expansive with little shade — skate features in neighborhood parks are surrounded by trees and ramadas, providing safety from heat​
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Fenced-in skateparks isolate skateboarders from the rest of park users — open obstacles in neighborhood parks allow natural social engagement of shared spaces
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Sports complex style skateparks cost in the seven figures, and take years to build — small skate features in neighborhood parks cost a few thousand dollars and can be installed within days
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See you there!
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There is no guarantee that our efforts will result in every city park having something to skate, but a lack of input will mean that the parks system will never reflect that skate spots are public recreation options that should be available in every neighborhood.
People at the city have shown support for what we are trying to do, but without expressed public demand, they are limited in what they can approve. So get involved and be heard!
This is how the pickleballers got their courts added everywhere, so let's see if it can work for us.
All photos courtesy Ted Schmitz
*Full azcentral article:
