The closure of the skatepark in Benoit’s Cove is causing plenty of discussion in the community.
Darryl White finds it pretty sad that children in his community do not understand and appreciate what people do for them to provide them with a place to be youngsters.
White was responding to the Town of Humber Arm South’s decision to close the community skateboard park indefinitely because of complaints about children being bullied and foul language being used in the company of small children.
The skateboard park, like other recreational assets in the municipality including a splash pad, came to fruition through the volunteer efforts of the town’s recreation committee that focuses on doing what it can to put things in place for children to enjoy.
“That’s not right. It shouldn’t be like that. There’s nothing else for them to do only going in there that’s the bottom line,” White said Friday afternoon.
White, who has two teenagers, believes it’s time for parents to pull together and make changes to ensure the venue is a safe haven for children to hang out with their friends.
“It’s not nice. It’s time for them to step up,” he said. “There’s too much of it going on and I think people are bullying each other out of the way that’s what I think.
White suggested the town may want to consider arranging a meeting with parents to spread the message that such behavior is unacceptable and make every effort to take measures to ensure the skateboard gets wide use because that’s what it was put there for in the first place.
Mayor Glenn Savard wouldn’t comment on the closure of the skateboard park when contacted Friday morning. He said he’s going to address concerns about the venue with his council as early as Monday with hopes that a solution will be found so the skateboard park can be opened for the summer when children are out of school and looking for a place to spend the day.
