We’re surrounded by persecution and narrow mindedness every day. The narrow minded persecutors are often the first to claim themselves victims and also the first to point fingers. A vocal and some may call, slanderous group of Miami citizens are pointing fingers at those involved in the 24,000 sq. ft. Biscayne Skate Park project on land owned by the city at 150 NE 19^th St.

The skateboard park has been two years in the making (circa December 2008) and after countless layers of red tape, formulating, planning and organizing the project hasn’t even broke ground. Before getting into why it’s important to understand the foundation of this project. Seth Levy, a passionate and active member of the skateboard community, took on the responsibility of spearheading the project early on. When he realized the proposed site of construction was near a deteriorating and crime laden neighborhood he quickly sprung into action and purchased the adjacent land that neither the bank nor the police wanted to deal with. This allowed Levy to see out his dream of living across the street from a skateboard park and made him a big stakeholder in the decision making of the area. Or so you’d think.

Financially the park shall not drive the city into further deficit as it is being funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency’s fund; money which has been set aside specifically for the growth and nurture of communities.  Additionally, the fund will go towards the construction of a new administrative building for the City’s Parks and Recreations Department as well as landscaping and lighting for the whole park.

Now, back to the finger-pointing-citizens… Some members of neighboring, Temple Israel are deeply concerned by what effects the park may have on them. This caused many changes in the park’s plans. The park was moved an additional 600 ft. from their entrance and the administration building was placed in between the two to block the view and serve as a buffer.

It’d be interesting to know how many members of the temple are in objection of the park. How many of them pay taxes in the area? Are they even residents? All interesting facts that could possibly shed light on the allegations threatening the park. The loudest opponent would be Stanley Tate, a successful South Florida developer, veteran political player and past president of Temple Israel. Whose comments and debate points seem almost laughable:

“If we have to, we will bring a large number of people. We have some of the oldest membership in Dade County. We are well respected. I don’t think the city commission wants to get involved in that kind of controversy.”

“Kids go there to smoke grass. The main thing is the noise. They play these boom boxes that you can’t possibly believe at all hours of the night. We have a large membership of elderly people in their 70s and 80s. It just does not belong there.”

Temple Israel’s current president Douglas Jacobs seems much more tolerant and willing to compromise on some of the concerns the park has brought up. He sees the good that such a project could bring to the community and is open to working with the city in terms of potential noise concerns, increased traffic and proximity to their preschool.

Many of the claims the skateboarders are being accused of, because it’s definitely an accusation filled with assumptions, are strictly governed by park rules. Levy has seen to it that the park has proper management. The skateboarders are encouraged to use personal music players instead of “boom boxes” and drugs will be prohibited. Granted, not everyone will follow the rules. Driving around the area it’s apparent the neighborhood is no stranger to rule-breaking. Merely the thought and intention of bringing the skate park to the block has cleaned up many of the questionable characters who loitered about.

After Temple Israel members received news coverage of their outrage Levy decided to organize his friends as well; all friends of the community, friends of skate boarding, friends of justice. Via word of mouth and social networking he organized a Solidarity Event where peaceful protesters walked from Peacock Park in Coconut Grove, home to a skate park, to City Hall where a special movie screening was to take place. Commissioner Marc Sarnoff organized the exclusive screening for Disney’s Planet Earth for all the supporters on July 19^th. Seats quickly filled in the government meeting hall and attendees enjoyed fresh made popcorn. Many of these attendees wore t-shirts made specifically for the event. Not to worry Mr. Tate there was not a “boom box” nor grass-smoking to be seen! Make sure to check out all the pictures from the Save the Skate Park event.

On the event Facebook page Commissioner Sarnoff had this to say:

“Thanks for helping to raise awareness Seth. It’s important that myths and misconceptions about the skateboard park are challenged with facts. I’ve been fighting for this park because it will provide a safe and positive place for skateboarders of all ages to participate in the sport. I’ve made it clear to the Temple… …that if they don’t want the park located near them, provide us with a suitable alternative location in exchange. What we need is for everyone to move forward seeking a positive solution, not throwing out unfounded claims and fear-mongering about people who participate in skateboarding. I am confident that this wonderful skate park will become a reality.”

These are the reasons we vote and should be involved. Otherwise decisions get made based on the opinion of a few loud men. Take some time to write a quick email to some officials and let them know how you feel about the project-

Ron Nelson: rnelson@miamigov.com
Bert Gonzalez: hbgonzalez@miamigov.com
David Karsh: dkarsh@miamigov.com
Commissioner Marc Sarnoff: msarnoff@miamigov.com
Mayor Thomas Regalado: tregalado@miamigov.com
Raphael Gonzalez: RaGonzalez@miamigov.com
Carlos Migoya: cmigoya@miamigov.com

Support the cause on Facebook: Save the Miami Skateboard Park

Why not even write to a couple of news stations and ask them why they’ve yet to cover the other side of the story? I’m sure the skateboarders who need a place to skate have an opinion on the topic. Keep kids from grinding on your pretty taxes-paid-rails and give them a place to enjoy their sport; a place where they can foster relationships, the kind that keep kids out of trouble and promote a healthy active lifestyle.