Promises, Promises: Skate Park Still Not a Reality

The Town of North Hempstead recently published its budget and, once again, there doesn't appear to be any funds set aside for a skatepark. 

Talks were initiated a few years ago with government officials to urge the development of such a park and a location near the basketball courts at the Police Athletic League field was discussed. However, some members of a local advocacy group called SNAPP (Skaters Need a Port Park) thought the proposed location was merely a "smokescreen." SNAPP members said this was simply a delaying tactic because PAL leases the property from the Port Washington Water District, meaning that too many details would need to be ironed out before any sort of project could move forward.

In essence, it appeared that preliminary discussions took place with the best of intentions but have died since. However, Robert Laker, President of SNAPP, said he doesn't want to rule out the possibility that elected officials will come through. "I remain hopeful that Councilman [Fred] Pollack and Supervisor [Jon] Kaiman will move the process forward to provide our children a place to skateboard in 2010," Laker said. "Mr. Pollack assures me that the Town is in discussions with the Sewer District and PAL to re-design a portion of Sunset Park to fit in a new basketball court and a skateboarding space."

Over the past 20 years or so, skateboarding evolved from a fringe type of activity to a legitimate sport. Although it doesn't appear that skateboarding will make an appearance at the 2012 Olympics, most officials agree that it's just a question of time because its popularity grows exponentially every year. This holds true for Port Washington - there are more skaters than ever.  As a result, I believe there is a need for a safe and accessible place for skaters to enjoy. It's scary to see Port residents careening down Central Drive or Manorhaven Boulevard. It may be a thrilling ride for some but usually the skaters are simply trying to get from point A to point B. However, it's dangerous for both skaters and for those driving cars.

Politicians continue to counter that the economy remains the major factor in mailing to address the issues. It can be said that blaming the "economy" is an easy answer that can't be refuted. However, the economy hasn't prevented Huntington from building another skatepark and other towns are taking the lead in developing plans to get skaters off the streets. It's a question of political intent and priorities. 

The expanse down by the former Bar Beac, a North Hempstead town park, probably would be perfect for a concrete park considering few visit the area other than geese. 

In light of the the town's takeover of the property and its future development plans, politicians remain hesitant to commit. It does seem strange that parts of the town, including Manorhaven Park's parking lot, sit empty the majority of the time.

Some SNAPP parents report that some Port people don't take too kindly to skateboarders and in some instances, have been nasty and rude. George Cayea, a Port teenager and 2009 gold medalist in the Skate NYC competition held this July in Manhattan, commented, "I've been kicked out of more spots that I could count.  It has been everyone from a business owner politely asking me to leave to being threatened and cursed at by a police officer for little more than riding on the sidewalk. Skateboarding isn't about vandalism or even about the athletic pursuit.  It's an artistic expression of taking something that is pure thought and making it a reality.  We are forced to make the streets our canvas and we need a sanctuary where can skate without constantly having to evade the authorities."

Just as there will always be a few third basemen that mar the beauty of baseball, there will be skateboarders that don't follow the rules. There's no need to embrace every skateboarder but there should be mutual respect. Tony Hawk, the legendary entrepeneur, recently skateboarded in the White House and given the odds, a Port skater shouldn't be too far behind.