Photo: Eddie Burkhalter. The newly finished skate park stays filled with skateboarders, lessening their numbers in the downtown shopping area. From left; Josh Roberts, Drew Harrelson, Dajuan Mayse, Chase Goss, Austin ‘The Beast’ Smith and Gavin Lites.
The skateboard park was finished two weeks ago, and the kids who use it say they are happy to have a place to skate.
“We’re just glad to finally get one,” said skateboarder Drew Harrelson.
Early this year skateboarders damaged an 800-pound bench in front of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #21 office on Center Avenue. Piedmont Police also reported complaints from downtown business owners of skateboarders using loud language and littering, and there was talk of banning them from the city sidewalks.
Instead, Mayor Brian Young and the city council agreed that a skateboard park might help ease the tension. The kids say that since the park was completed a couple of weeks ago things have settled down a bit.
“I think it changed how they feel about it somewhat, because now we’re out of their way and they don’t have to worry about it so much,” said Harrelson.
Piedmont Police Chief Steven Tidwell said officers are regularly patrolling the park and have had very few problems there.
“There appear to be fewer skateboarders in the downtown area since the opening of the park,” said Tidwell.
The skateboarders, too, say they are pleased with how things have turned out, and that tension between the police and the skateboarders have decreased.
“They’ve cooled down a lot since we aren’t skating in the streets, but they’ll come by and check on us every once in a while,” said skateboarder Josh Roberts.
The city purchased several pieces of the skateboarding equipment, such as two large ramps called half-pipes, through a government auction. The city paid for the construction of a few other pieces, and the skateboarders themselves were asked for feedback.
The layout of all the different features at the park was done by the skateboarders themselves.
“We came over and told them where to put them so there’d be enough room for us to move around,” said Harrelson.
DAV Chapter #21 Commander J.R. Smith said he is happy to see the park complete.
“I’m glad for them, and I’m glad the city of Piedmont stepped up and gave them a place to where they can go and skate,” said Smith. “That’s a real good deal for them and I’m proud for them.”
I agree all of Alabama needs more industry and jobs. I had hoped to have gained a Conservation Enforcement Officer position in Cherokee county about 2 years ago. The job was not awarded to me. However I admit yer mountains were beautiful and I hope one day to visit again. Just don't get mad at the kids as boredom often leads to deviance. Once a child is labeled as deviant they are much more likely to lead destructive adult lifestyles. I really worry about your county. Things are rough in Talladega county but I am grateful to be a resident of Sylacauga despite some similiar situation both counties are in the midst of working out. I just hate it when kids are being kids and their behavior is deemed criminal which can have long lasting detrimental effects.
Good Luck &
God Bless
only1
P.S. Now that they have a skate park catch the kids destructing city property again and by all means don't spare the rod. I am also a firm believer in discipline and love.
(ie) spring at sports park.
I 100% agree with "what about the rest"
"JOBS !"
"Empty trashed out buildings"
etc etc etc....
They can use the bike trail that is already there for such use......although it is run down too now.
http://www.dailyhome.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Guns- explosives- knives- other materials found in teen-s bedroom &id=4454433#comments_4454433
Next time you run across individuals such as
"What about the Rest" & "Mr. Gurn Blanston"
Pull this article out of yer wallets and inform them they are invited to the skatepark ( I really think these individuals are just jealous because they are bored as well and no one invited them) explain to them you could mimic this youth whom was bored with the limited activities for youth of rural municipalities to engage who reside in Alabama. I think these malcontents will then be satisfied that your actions though deviant were not as evil as they portray.
I don't normally recommend such material to our youth but you young men look like you have a bright healthy active futures ahead of ya'll and I trust ya'll to manage malcontents and misinformation such at this in a appropriate manner ( by simply disregarding ). Why don't you guys earn your eagle badges and fix the park benches just to appease these malcontent citizen by being the better citizen that I know you guys are and will become.
Sincerely,
only1
only1