Skateboarding is a valid activity, needs support

I saw an article in your paper honoring our various skateboarders from around the area. I live on a street where several young skateboarders practice their craft religiously with enthusiasm and spunk. Granted, they were in the street quite often and, occasionally, motorists would have to slow up.

Recently, the police took their skateboards away from them and required them to appear in court to have them returned. I understand the great concern for their safety, but where are these youth to go?

I live in a fine community, but our city council has let this issue slip through the cracks. And then we wonder why some of these youth end up in far worse circumstances of vandalism or drugs. I feel our youth of all sports need support and encouragement.

Will it break us up to provide a decent skateboard park for our future citizens of Marion?

Jill Jencks

Marion