Concerning the laws over skateboard parks.

Skateboarders have always had an uphill battle when it comes to being accepted in society. The state passes legislature that allows cities to build skate parks to get kids off the streets, yet includes statutes that require the use of full pads as a requirement of all participants. In these modern days of skateboarding the tides have changed in how kids skate and how the parks have been built to accommodate and house obstacle that emulate "street" skating. I feel that it is unfortunate that the state statutes are worded as they are to include the enforcement of this full pad structure. When skating the streets kids are not wearing the gear mandated by the state for skateboard parks because they are skating within their ability and are in want of mobility and freedom in their expression. After meeting with the city and some members of the Mount Airy Police Department I have come to understand that there will be no less of an effort to enforce this statute due to the feeling that those involved would feel negligent in their duty to uphold state and local laws under their jurisdiction. This, however, is only due to the state statute that is over our heads and the interpretation of this law by our local officials and our officers. The only option here is to go to the state and plead the case of skateboarding. It is our duty to let it be known that those who choose to skate wish to do so on their own terms and at their own risk, and rightly so seeing as the state statute states: "Any person who participates in or assists in hazardous recreational activities assumes the known and unknown inherent risks in these activities..." (99E-24). Skateboarding is one of the top growing sports in America, and the simple fact that our town of Mount Airy has recognized the need for such a facility only strengthens our argument to get this law changed. We have the ability to stand together for our children, friends, family, and all others who choose to ride a skateboard. It will take the actions of all of us to help in this cause, be it the police, in recognizing the skate park users attempts to obey the rules; the city, in helping contact senators or officials who can help in changing the law; and US, the citizens who can share our thoughts and concerns through voice and action in proving, once and for all, that SKATEBOARDING IS NOT A CRIME!