Item 9: Resolution Approving PROS Project and Priority Plan

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Robert Chandler 2467 University Eugene, OR 97403 Matthew Patton 63 West 220d Ave. Eugene, OR 97405 April 1, 2005 Andrea Riner Parks and Open Space Planning Manager City of Eugene, Parks & Open Space Division 1820 Roosevelt Blvd. Eugene, OR 97402 RE: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Comprehensive Plan Dear Andrea: We are writing to comment on the Skate Parks section of the PROS Comprehensive Plan, Draft Parks and Open Space Analysis as well as the recent release of the complete Draft PROS Comprehensive Plan. As you know, skateboarding has seen strong growth over the past several years, with overall participation up by 81 % and frequent participation (defined as 52+ days per year) surging by 173% between 1998 and 2002 (SGMA International, 2003). In 2003, skateboarding participation nationwide was estimated to be over 11 million. This is roughly the same participation level as baseball. Worldwide, skateboarding also continues to grow and skate parks continue to be built i.n Europe, South America, and Australia. Skateboarding provides an active, healthy activity for our youth and is particularly appealing to kids not interested in traditional team sports such as basketball and football. With regards to the "Findings/Trends" section of the report on pages 47-48, we would make the following observations: 1) Point 2 states that "according to the Community Survey, skateboarding is the least popular activity in terms of participation." Thi~ appears to be a somewhat misleading interpretation of the data that wa~.collected in this Survey. Clearly, skateboarding is more appealing to youth aged 10-17 and more meaningful participation conclusions should be drawn from demographic specific analysis, such as was attempted in Point 1. 2) Point 3 makes perhaps the most important point of this section, which is that skateparks are considered by Eugene's youth to be one of the most needed facilities in our community. 3) Point 4 is also rather deceptive by citing the NSGA estimates of a 0.5% growth in skateboarding since 2001. As mentioned, national participation in skateboarding has grown 81 % between 1998 and 2002 and American Sports Data Group projects that skateboarding may have over 14 million participants in 2005. Casual observations have also noted a far higher growth in skateboarding in the Northwest in the past several years. This conclusion is drawn not only from discussions with skateboard industry representatives, but also from observations of the growth in the number and usage of skateparks in other Oregon towns. 4) Point 6 follows on the heels of Point 3 with the logical observation that not only is there consistent demand for more skating facilities, but that the demand is most acute for all-weather facillties. It is difficult if not impossible to skateboard in the rain. (i)