There’s new article in the wildly famous Dunwoody Crier publication exposing the lack of attendance and revenues being generated by the Brook Run Skate Park.
As is typical with media, they play opportunists, and wait until the dead of winter to call the park a failure.
It’s pretty logical to assume the attendance will be down in winter and up in the spring and summer months. Amazing how that works…
Read for yourself:
Skate park revenues, attendance lagging
…then, of course the Dunwoody North Civic Association, haters of the park from day one of it’s announcement, jumped all over the story. They’d love to see the park fail and become a place for their dogs to pee.
The solution is simple, as I posted in comment on the Civic Association web site:
“Man - it’s funny when local government scratches their head when business considerations are presented. This is a slam dunk…”
>> More of my comment left at the Civic Association blog
Let us know your thoughts…
7 Comments
February 27, 2008 at 6:27 pm
It is really hard to say that I hate the park when I am an annual member and take my son there on a regular basis. It was me who published the first blog notice of the skate board lessons and I will continue to support the park where I see fit.
Please remember that the county said that there would be small skate park and in return they clear cut five acres of trees and put in the largest skate park in GA. We the neighbors have a vested interest in the success of the facility and the community in general would be interested in the finances due to the possibility of a city whereby the city would run the park.
I appreciate your comments on my blog and if I could add to your list; the skate park needs to accept credit cards. Everyday they are turning money away because it is a cash only establishment.
February 27, 2008 at 7:17 pm
John says, “It is really hard to say that I hate the park when I am an annual member and take my son there on a regular basis. ”
Not true John. I hate Chess. But I take my son to his Chess matches and support his stoke. As parents, what else can we do?
but, right on…
Many of my comments are bit tongue-n-cheek, but it only takes a second to search the web and recognize the negative slant that the residents have had from day one.
It’s nothing new - skaters vs. residents is as old as concrete wheels.
Fair enough on blog posts and your “support where you see fit…”
I also appreciate your comments here… Nothing is more interesting than two guys coming at the skate park from two totally different perspectives.
I have to ask - If it was a soccer field, would the Civic Association be as intense? Tree removal and all?
February 27, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Nope, there are 33 acres of wide open space in the back of the park where the hospital used to sit. This area should be opening soon.
Again the counties conservation & planning skills match their marketing skills when it comes to promoting the park.
Trust me I am very happy the skate park is getting used and I truly do support it.
February 27, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Come on, John…
If we are going to have a discussion, please stay on point.
I’m not talking about the old hospital demolition. I am talking about the space where Brook Run Skate Park lives today.
I think it’s safe to say much of the disgust from residents, maybe not you, but from a majority of the residents was the fact that it was a ’skate park’ and thus going to be used by ’skaters’
It’s a fair concern for these residents since a lot of skaters have not had much concern with positive image - but at least admit it.
That’s all I’m getting at with my “soccer field” question. …and trying to show why a feeling of prejudice is felt in the skating community with regards to the park.
February 27, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Christian,
If you get that impression, it definitely doesn’t come from me. Remember, I actually skate (not real well), but I spent three and a half hours on my board last Saturday morning.
The skate park was bigger then originally described, placed in the wrong location with big scary lights and speakers. I voiced my opinions and over time the park has not caused as many issues as originally feared. The only item I am looking to change is the replacement of screening trees along the street line in order to block out some of the light for the residents who live on Peeler.
Is there a way in which I could assist the skate community in alleviating this perceived prejudice?
February 27, 2008 at 8:06 pm
>> John asks, “Is there a way in which I could assist the skate community in alleviating this perceived prejudice?”
I think you are doing a pretty good job of doing that now.
Much respect.
August 13, 2008 at 6:03 pm
My 3.5 year old son has shown an interest in learning to skateboard. I understand that there are group lessons on Sat mornings. What does he need to know how to do before the lessons start, or are these “from the beginning” lessons that will teach him out to get on, balance and pump?
Thanks
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