Proposed location
perfect for skate park
In the Feb. 25 story, "Skate park sought in the heart of Atlantic City," the head of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority said that there might be better locations in the city for a skate park than the empty lot on Arctic Avenue next to The Wave parking garage. I would implore the CRDA that if something is worth doing, it's worth doing right. There is no point in giving a skate park approval and then sticking it in some dark corner of the city. The only point in doing that would be that so then, if the elements of crime seep in or if it fails in that location, you can blame it on the skaters.
What is the land on Arctic Avenue better suited for? Please tell me what is more important than our kids? The potential area on Arctic Avenue is the perfect location. It is in one of the safest areas of the city; it is close to all transportation; and it is one of the only places where parents from surrounding areas could potentially feel comfortable dropping their kids off while they go shopping.
Is a Dress Barn outlet and another Starbucks really more important than a creative and physical outlet for our kids? There are only a handful of activities where kids today actually put down their cell phones and video games and go outside to have fun. This is one of them. Don't ruin it by being so focused on trying to make a profit. Make a real investment in our future and the future of Atlantic City.
ZACHARY KATZEN
Galloway Township
Skate park a plus
for today's youths
When I heard that the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority was considering building a skate park in Atlantic City, my attitude toward the city changed for the better.
This is a big deal for a lot of people, but mainly for our youth. Atlantic City (and many surrounding towns) are riddled with all kinds of illegal things, such as drugs and gangs. This is a perfect opportunity to bring something positive into the city.
Jason Forslund, who has been pushing for the skate park, makes a lot of valid points. The location is just as important as the skate park itself. Everything he says and does is for the community and our youth.
The kids need options, and action sports are very popular. Let's get the kids off the couches, and get kids who are at a crossroad to do something positive instead of becoming a statistic.
I feel the location Forslund presented is the best spot. The CRDA needs to back him up on this. The kids are counting on Atlantic City to make the right choice.
Please do not let something like using the lot for additional stores be the deciding factor. That would come at a great cost to our youth.
JOE BARTUCCIO
Hammonton
A.C. skate park
great for The Walk
Regarding the Feb. 25 story, "Skate park sought in the heart of Atlantic City":
Tanger Outlets and its retailers at The Walk would be crazy not to give this idea 110 percent of their support.
Picture this: A family of five takes a trip to Atlantic City. They pay to park. It's been a long ride, so they grab a drink and a snack. One of the kids needs a new pair of sneakers to go to the skate park. His brother forgot his knee pads. Mom keeps on shopping, while Dad takes the kids to the skate park. Is it lunch yet?
This is just the start. Dinner, a movie, a trip to the Boardwalk, maybe a show or stay the night.
What better use of this space? It's clean, safe and close to where Mom can shop until she drops.
CHIP KAITHERN
West Cape May
