Would never imagine the "idea" of a skateboard park could mean a sense of belonging and a place to overcome challenges for youth. I discovered this when my sons, Xavier and Caleb, asked to go to the local Manassas, Va. skateboard park. What I found was a place where youth had fun, shared friendships, and escaped from life's problems.
Watching from the bench, located outside the park, you see youth of all ethnic groups jumping skateboards off ramps, sliding skateboards along rails, flipping skateboards, and doing other tricks.
You ask them what is it about skateboarding and you get a common idea. One teenage boy said skateboarding is not sport, it is not about competition, it is a hobby and it is fun. Another teenager tells the story about how he has friends from different schools who meet here to enjoy there common interest- skateboarding. Two counsins, one who has been skating for one month and the other for six months, both tell how skateboarding has helped them escape and cope. One of the cousins said it keeps me away from gangs and drugs. The other cousin explained he has ADHD and it helps keep him calm.
It is interested that with all the "bad" news about our youth, here, at this skateboard park, there is "good" news. "YOUR THOUGHTS"
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