Veracity

Tue, Nov 30, 2010 : 1:48 p.m.

The proposed skatepark presents three issues: First, should the skatepark vie for funds from the Pepsi Refresh Project when more worthy causes are competing for the TWO grants of $250,000 being offered? Presently, the top two entries by voting numbers so far include "Rescue animals from cruelty in underserved communities" requested by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and "Find a path to the cure for Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC)" requested by Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation. The third place entry by votes is "Help Hannah's Hope Fund, a clinical trial to treat GAN, save lives" requested by Hannah's Hope Fund. And the fourth place entry by votes is "Help Youth Who Suffer From Depression or Bipolar Disorder," by the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF). Reasonable expectations are for any two of these four proposals receiving funding instead of the skatepark. Secondly, the Washtenaw County Commissioners should be questioned about the availability of $250,000 to give for the skatepark in view of its 2010/2011 financial prospects. The "2010/2011 Summary of Governmental Funds by Category" (accessed through the County Commissioners' website) shows a $200,000 reduction in anticipated revenues this year in its $213 million budget. This figure includes a $7,582,850 (45%) increase in "Other Revenue & Reimbursements" for which no details are provided. All other sources of income are expected to decrease except from modest increases in "License & Permits" and "Fees & Services." The Washtenaw County Commission's budget may not have the funds to match the Pepsi Refresh project grant if won. What will the commission be giving up in order to provide the skatepark with the money? Finally, the skatepark should not be built for the following practical reasons: It is difficult to justify spending $1 million for a dedicated skateboard park that will be used only by a few. In 2005 a study determined that about 5% of children 13 to 18 years old used skateboards. That percentage translates into 250 to 500 youths. Add another 500 adults who may skateboard and the park will service less than 1% of Ann Arbor's population. Also, believing that skateboarding will be confined to a skateboard park is unrealistic. The skateboard will continue to be a mode of transportation about town. Also, for many skateboarders, the park may not be convenient when an enthusiast wants to use his skateboard. Furthermore, skateboarding is a dangerous activity that produces injuries (search YouTube for "skate board injuries"). Many skateboarders do not wear safety helmets or pads. A concrete and steel skateboard park with ramps that launch kids into the air will never achieve a Consumers Report safety achievement award. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is so concerned that it published guidelines which should be followed by those sponsoring and maintaining the skateboard park (if built): http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00273 Whoever owns and operates the skateboard park should be concerned about liability. Can liability insurance coverage be purchased for a skateboard park? For safety sake the park should be fenced and have a lockable gate. Hours of use should be restricted especially during school days and activities monitored by a trained supervisor. In this regard, who will pay for the supervision and also for the maintenance? For safety and financial reasons a skatepark should not be built and the application for a Pepsi Refresh Project grant should be withdrawn.