Temporary closure and changes to the Audie Murphy skatepark. This is a petition for City Council to reopen public discussion on the state of AMR skatepark. It is closed because the neighbors complained about "disturbances" such as the smell of marajuana and the loud use of profanity. The skatepark will be closed for 60 days until the fate of the skatepark is decided. The Murrieta skatepark met a similar fate, due to the negative actions of a few. The majority of people who attend the skatepark do not take part in the actions that have been complained about. Many are children who come with their parents. For many the skatepark is a place where people can come to get exercise and practice a skill they enjoy. The nearest place to skate is Lake Elsinore, leaving many with no option but to skate on private property, which is illegal. Others may have nothing to do in their spare time and may turn to worse activities. I suggest the park remain open and in its current state. The city could have a police officer or security guard patrol the area every couple hours or more in order to stop the negative actions of the few. This will keep the skatepark safe for the neighbors in the community and for those who will continue to use the skatepark as a productive outlet, as most people do. I am a skater who already has to drive thirty minutes to Audie Murphy because there are no other public areas to skate near me. I live in between three cities that seem to have no respect for the skateboarding community. Without a skatepark many are pushed to street skate. We are then hassled and frowned down upon, yet are left with no public skatepark to practice our sport in. I do not see public fields being shut down due to intoxicated and belligerent football or other sport players. This also happens, but due to the stigma held against skateboarders, only we seem to face consequences. Please allow us to continue to use Audie Murphy skatepark as a public and free place to spend our time.
