Argumentative Essay on Skateboarding as a Sport

Skateboarding has become an official sport in the Olympics, however, the systems for this sport are poorly supported. My name is Yeonhee Kim, I have been in-line skating for about 5 years. After moving to Northvale, the town I am currently living in, it has been incredibly difficult to find a park to skate. There are rocks everywhere on the roads or wood sticks and these caused me to trip over and lead to injury. I believe that there should be better conditions, an understanding of the problems that skaters are facing, and giving more attention to know about the benefits of the skate park.

Most outdoor skate parks are not properly cared for and the conditions get bad and abandoned which becomes kids' playgrounds. My experience with the skate park is that I used to go to a skate park in poor conditions. It was the closest skate park that was near my house but compared to other well-cared skateparks, the concrete ground was popped out, plants growing, etc. Many districts have been abandoning the skate park and focusing on other things, such as soccer fields, fences for softball, etc. They can distribute the money evenly or at least support the skating park system.

Some common problem skaters are facing is not being able to find a skate park. There are other problems but not being able to find a safe place is very dangerous. Most districts and towns “don’t have a single skate park, It’s easy to find a basketball hoop or a baseball diamond almost anywhere you go. Yet when it comes to skateboarding, skaters have little choice but to ride on the sidewalks, on the streets, school campuses, parking lots, and other places around town… or simply don’t skate at all” (“America Needs More Skateparks”). You would be able to find a basketball court in almost every park. There are fewer skate parks compared to basketball courts in outdoor skate parks. Acknowledge the problems that skaters face and agree with their perspectives can help a lot.

There aren’t just negative effects for skateparks, there are benefits that come along with it. Most skaters skate on roads which is dangerous for both the skater and the cars, but it would “provide a safe environment for skateboarding” if skateparks were to be built for both perspectives (Author et al). It’s best not to ignore every little news going around the town or maybe other districts. The towns support with a little amount compared to other fields. Skaters are treated as an outcast in the community.

There should be more support for skaters, it’s not a popular sport as soccer but they should be treated the same. The skate park should have flat ground, no cracks on the concrete because it makes it difficult to ride. I had an accident because of the road and I have been afraid to ride now. I am not a professional in-line skater so I am not used to riding over rocks. Skating-related sports aren't as popular as other sports but it has been officially announced as one of the sports in the Olympics so people should be more supportive in this area too.