Skateboarders often feel like the world is against them. It is not uncommon to see signs that say “no skateboarding” almost everywhere you turn. On Wednesday, February 16 the Borough of Downingtown sent skateboarders a totally different message. They decided to give us a resolution of support for a skatepark to be built in Downingtown.

This may not seem like a big deal, but this is much different then our original agreement with Downingtown and the agreements many skateboarders make with municipalities. Our initial agreement with the Borough was just a verbal agreement (see story) made during a Borough Council meeting to add a skatepark to the Borough of Downingtown. Insurance was the cause for much of the hesitation by the Borough, making them not want to commit fully to putting a skatepark in Downingtown that is open access. After filling out the paperwork and getting back the insurance quote from the Borough’s broker they learned that it will cost the Borough zero extra dollars to add a skatepark to their existing insurance policy with no limitations on access. So, looking closely at the language of this resolution you will notice that park will have the same rules and access associated with as any other park in the Borough. This park will be free, centrally located and open access (no pads needed). How many concrete skateparks are their like that in Chester County, or even Eastern Pennsylvania?

We have finally gotten through and beaten down the stereotypes that have put the brakes on projects like this in the past. The only real hurtle left is fundraising. DSP is a non-profit group of volunteers. We give our time to fundraise and advocate for this project. If anyone would like to volunteer ideas for fundraising solutions that will help move this project further along please email us at skateparkdowningtown@gmail.com . Remember that since we already do run fundraising events, sell merchandise and continue to promote this project it is best if YOU can have a large part in making your own ideas a reality.