Thank you, Sandpoint, for supporting skatepark

Thank you, Sandpoint.

The now that the city of Sandpoint Free Community Skatepark (we call it the Concrete Lake) is officially open, I'd like to give thanks to our community for making it happen. Thanks to Mayor Ray Miller and the City Council for their financial and moral support. Thanks to the fund-raising committee who donated many hours, called in favors, and knocked on doors. Thanks to the design committee for working with the contractor for an outstanding end-product. But mostly, thanks to the 250-plus contributors who gave anywhere from $5 to $10,000 in cash or in-kind so that kids of all ages can enjoy this challenging and healthy activity for free and without leaving town.

As a parks and rec person, it's gratifying to visit and see users of all ages playing. It's great to see sharing, encouragement, advice, and support. Behavior, in general, has been respectful and appreciative. These are traits that help to build a strong community.

If I could ask one thing in return for our collective efforts, it would be for park users to please show respect by picking up after themselves, adhering to the posted rules, and the use of helmets and pads. The community gave the resources to build a park that we can be proud of. I really hope that, through peer pressure, example and a little parent prodding, users can show appreciation by simply keeping the place cleaned up. On the helmet and pads end, I'm asking parents to require and follow-up on compliance. If you're past the parent thing, please chose to lead by example. Our operations committee has given their word to wear protection, as have several of our more talented local riders. Our community has ownership by donating to this project. We would all feel badly if someone has an injury that might have been lessened by the use of protective gear. OK, I'll get off the box.

Again, big kudos to all who had a hand in our newest parks addition. Yeah!

KIM WOODRUFF

Sandpoint Parks and Recreation