In the News Index

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
Date: May 16, 2005
Byline: Gregory Heller and Scott Kip, The Friends of LOVE Park

Letter: Back to LOVE Park

Congratulations to the Philadelphia skateboarding community on its world-class designs for the Schuylkill River Skatepark. Cheers to the Street administration for facilitating this strong first step toward building the network of skateboard parks Philadelphia needs to maintain its reputation as a mecca of America's fastest-growing sport, not to mention its continued focus on developing beautiful public space along the Schuylkill.

In her May 6 commentary ("A new skatepark to love?"), Inga Saffron highlighted the wonderful aspects of the skatepark designs but also pointed out the new park's inability to ever capture the international iconic fame of LOVE Park. We hope that one day the two parks will serve as wonderful complements. As one of the world's skateboarding capitals, Philadelphia should build a network of parks across the city.

Ultimately, however, to reclaim the city's world fame, tourism, and image as a youth-friendly place, officials will have to make sure the public space at LOVE Park includes skateboarding.