Misconceptions of a Skateboarder

Samuel Marcincavage, son of  Katherine Lopez. 
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Skateboarding is a sport that is uniquely different from all others. It doesn’t require a team competing for a common goal. There isn’t a legitimate system that judges how talented a skateboarder is. There is no league regulating how skateboarding should be done. Skateboarding is an individualistic sport that provides infinite potential for progression. There is no limit on the amount of tricks that can be learned or landed. With stair sets, handrails, ledges, and street obstacles everywhere, the world becomes a skateboarder’s playground.

Some of the children and young people who attended the Public Meeting
at the Framingham Library on January 4, 2015

Poster displaying the positive aspects of Skateboarding

Unfortunately, there is a wide misconception about skateboarding that many people develop. This is usually due to a lack of knowledge of its culture. There is a misconception when you see skateboarders in their hoodies or baggy jeans. Many people refer to skateboarders as disrespectful youngsters who vandalize public and private property. It is not uncommon for a skateboarder to be yelled at outrageously or be threatened to have law enforcement called on them.

Without a safe, dedicated place for skateboard activity, skateboarders have little choice but to ride on the sidewalks, the streets, school campuses, parking lots and other places around town.

Framingham provides the finest places for physical activities for young people. Throughout Framingham, there are many baseball, soccer and football fields, basketball and tennis courts. But there is no skatepark for children interested in skateboard activity.

Heather Bachman, mother of a skateboarder, speaks at the
January 4, 2015 Public Meeting at the Framingham Library.

Judith Grove, Town Meeting Member, and young skateboarder

Video of Andree Remy and other skateboarders speak at
Board of Selectmen meeting on November 25, 2014

Video of SkateJam at Memorial Building steps November 15, 2014.
Without a safe, dedicated place for skateboard activity
skaters have little choice but to ride on the sidewalks, on the streets,
school campuses, parking lots, and other places around town.

 

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