Why build a skate park for skateboarding?
Villa Park supports its youth. The skatepark helps meet the need for after-school activities for teen-age at-risk youth. It also helps eliminate skateboard and in-line skate conflicts with local businesses and pedestrians. Why go to all this trouble for a passing fad? Skateboarding has been popular in the United States for more than 40 years. According to the National Sporting Goods Association there were 11.6 million skaters nationally in 2000 and the numbers are steadily growing. The majority of skaters are between the ages of 7 and 18 and are primarily males, although females are showing an increasing interest as cities are creating skating facilities where they feel safe. Advances in equipment and facilities have opened the sport to all ages and abilities, while reducing the number and severity of injuries. Some advancements include the use of urethane wheels that allow for speed and maneuverability. How dangerous is skateboarding? According to Consumer Products Safety Commission,
