Skatepark under consideration for Walkersville

(8/8) At the August 3 Parks Commission meeting, several residents from the Town of Walkersville area and beyond attended to express their desire for a local skatepark. Individuals primarily stressed the importance of safety as well as community bonding.

Ian Bair, a lifelong Walkersville resident who organized the advocacy group, has been skateboarding for almost six years. "Building a skate park is important for keeping people safe, and not just people with skateboards--think about all the little kids who are riding scooters."

At the parks meeting, advocates pointed out that most children and young people who use skateboards, bikes, scooters, or rollerblades currently have to utilize their driveway, the street, or walk to neighboring parks. All of these can be dangerous, especially on streets with no sidewalks and/or limited visibility.

In addition to curbing safety concerns, skateparks are also known to be great places to build lifelong connections and to fit in where some may not otherwise. "It’s a place where kids who have a passion for the same thing can come together," said Cheyenne Masten, who is a skater herself and hopeful for safe opportunities to teach her daughter how to participate in the hobby.

A town skatepark would certainly benefit many local residents, but it would also likely draw outside communities, creating an even greater opportunity for lasting relationships. Benjamin Ross, who is non-local but visits Walkersville to skate with friends, is passionate about this. "I fall in love with the towns I visit," Ross said, "Something special is happening, with more and more parks being built. Skaters can connect in what seems to be a healthy way. We learn from and about each other."

Advocates pointed out the Thurmont Skate Park to the commission, noting that park has the ability to be used by only about one person at a time. With the same amount of concrete and similar funds, they said, it would be possible to make a skate park usable by three people at once in Walkersville.

The Thurmont skate park was built using grant money, which will likely be the case if Walkersville decides to construct one as well. Commissioner Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis recommended that interested residents can email or call the town to express their interest. More information can be found at walkersvillemd.gov.