Sport is life, and so is the freedom to have access to one’s hobby. There are people who love graffiti, there are those who are obsessed with cycling. Indeed, there is a strong correlation between these hobbies. Graffiti is permitted in specific locations, and cyclists even have lanes that were designed for them. However, skateboarders do not have such a privilege and have to undergo the unpleasant banning of their favorite sport. Not only this, but any violation of the new law, such as bringing the skateboard to the park, can lead to fines. Skateboarding has been an integral part of Hollyfield Park for the last fifteen years. However, the municipal council has opted to enact a law that forbids skateboarding in all public parks. In the end, the banning of skateboarding will lead to not only economic but health repercussions.
First, while putting a ban on the use of skateboards in public places can limit the number of injuries and casualties in the area, it can additionally lower the overall activity and public health of the community. According to such a source as the CDC, only 23 percent of the U.S. population are active and exercise regularly (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). It is not a secret that nowadays, people are becoming less and less active and are basically forced into leading a sedentary lifestyle. In view of today’s events, such as lockdown and isolation, people have become more used to remote work and spending time alone at their homes. Meanwhile, the ban on the use of skateboarding in all parks can only exacerbate the situation. Some people will lose access to their favorite hobbies. Furthermore, people will not be motivated by seeing other people exercising.
Furthermore, it is possible that local businesses might be influenced due to the bans. This is a representation of the butterfly effect when the events have unforeseen impacts. In the parks or near the parks, might be local coffee shops or cafes that skateboarders might frequently visit since groups of people might be hanging out after skateboarding or simply be in need of refreshing beverages. Without frequent customers, the local economy might be damaged since businesses will make smaller revenue, especially small-size companies. Considering the harsh penalties for using skateboards in these areas, which involve the seizure of property or even a fine of $300, activity in the area might decrease.
As for the comment regarding the unsafety of skateboarding, there might be recommendations for such situations. It is evident that, similarly to any kind of sport, skateboarding can lead to injuries and hospitalizations. It was even mentioned by one of the respondents that their mother had previously undergone hospitalization due to such an accident. Yet, with certain precautions, this can pose less threat to the regular visitors of the park. The administration can assign one of the parks for skateboarding only to minimize injuries. Moreover, it could be possible to put a specific timetable for when it would be appropriate for skateboarders to visit the park for their activities. In this sense, this would be the most rational approach to the situation rather than banning the activity.
Hence, skateboarding prohibition will have an adverse impact on people’s health as well as the economy. In case the use of skateboards in public locations is prohibited, this will reduce the number of accidents and fatalities, but it will additionally reduce community activity. Additionally, it is indeed probable that the prohibitions that would reduce activity in the region may have an impact on nearby companies. However, there are specific steps that might resolve the problem. To reduce injuries, the management may designate one of the parks exclusively for skateboarding. It would be additionally conceivable to establish a strict schedule for when skateboarders are permitted to use the park for their activities.
Work Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Exercise or Physical Activity. CDC, n.d.