11/16/1999 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 11/16/1999 Kristina Kuzma, 2032 Savannah Parkway, Westlake, Ohio, said she supports the skate °'d~' park project. She is the mother of two boys, both straight A students, who spend a lot of time skateboarding. For the past two years, her family has traveled extensively to visit numerous skate parks all around the country. She spends a lot of time watching kids skateboard and, contrary to public opinion, they are not children looking for trouble. They are passionate about the sport and work hard to perfect their tricks. She has seen harmony and camaraderie and has seen kids cleaning up and keeping up the parks. She wishes her city had a skate park. Kids need a way to unload their energy in a healthy way. We talk a lot about our troubled youth, but we do very little to give them alternatives to drugs and alcohol. She believes this project will save a lot of kids. Chris Drouht, 1004 Chippewa, Grafton, Ohio, wished the Mayor Happy Birthday. Mr. Drought was reared in North Olmsted, and his mom would often take him. to a skateboard park in North Ridgeville. Now, as an adult, he still skateboards at Changa World in North Ridgeville. The kids he sees at this facility are talented athletes. He has taken the time to talk to them, and they are fine young kids. We should be proud of our teenagers today, and he encourages everyone to support the park. He looks forward to coming to the skate park with his children. Tom Hreha, 6814 Surrey Drive, North Olmsted, read a letter which was written by Shelley Cochran of Westlake to Rae Anne Thomas: "Thank you. It's about time somebody stood up for the skateboarders and rollerbladers and realized that they are people too. People who need a place to practice and enjoy their sport. My son is now a senior at Westlake High School and, since he has discovered driving, rarely if ever skateboards any more. However, for many years, he and his friends searched for a place where they could hone their craft and not get thrown out. He even went so far as to build his own rails at home so he could practice in the driveway. I've never understood the fear of and disdain for a whole group of young people just because they look a little different and are working at a sport that most of us can't fathom participating in. Most of these kids are really good and it's amazing to watch them at their work. I occasionally catch the professional skateboarders on television and am mesmerized by their talents and skills. Who knows? Maybe one of the young people at North Olmsted's new skate park will make it big on the skateboard circuit. It's a much needed park that will be greatly appreciated by the riders and their parents. Sincerely, Shelley Cochran, 23644 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake, Ohio" Mr. Hreha wished the Mayor Happy Birthday. Ed Calwell, 3333 W. 231, a frequent attendee and participant at Council meetings, was delighted with the audience participation. He is proud to see fellow citizens in attendance and talking about what really passions them. However, over the years he has heard other people ask for money for such projects as tennis courts and basketball courts. If this money is truly city money, everybody should get a piece, not just skateboarders. He believes the skate park will happen. Do they really need this $25,000? It will help, but they will get their park. But the tennis courts are still closed, there are no basketball courts in the city, and the roof leaks at the Rec Center. He is not against the park, and it is great to see all these people speaking their mind. We should not forget about the ;~. 11