I have a teenager who would rather skateboard than eat. I realize skateboarding is dangerous, however, a person could receive an injury in any sport.

They've closed our skate park. But, in my opinion, the old skate park was built out of wood and was too small in the first place -- a safety hazard in itself.

According to city officials, there is no place in the city of Leitchfield you can skateboard legally. They tell us they're building a new skate park beside the jail, but there's no evidence of it as of now. I've heard it might not be built until next year.

Seems like every time someone sees a skateboarder, they call the police.

I've even heard of some skateboarders being handcuffed by the police. This isn't right.

Kids shouldn't have to go all the way to Louisville, Bowling Green, Radcliff or even Elizabethtown just in order to skateboard from Leitchfield.

The construction of a new large concrete skate park is necessary, and construction on it should start "immediately" if not sooner, in order to have it completed by the first day of summer 2003.

Also, I might add, safety is very important. Let's face it -- wearing a helmet, knee and elbow pads when skateboarding is only "good common sense."

I'd like to see the city of Leitchfield give our kids something special -- a nice skate park that they could really enjoy and be proud of.

They've earned it.

Sincerely,

James W. Stover

801 Carwile Drive

Leitchfield, Ky.