Don’t blame skaters for mess

I have been working on the new skatepark for three weeks straight and have seen a wide range of people come through and use it.

They are largely very well behaved and highly appreciative of the effort being made to upgrade it. They have respected the work and workers and have been very interested in the progress, especially the date when they can start riding it.

On the other side of the coin, we have some low-lifers who have been bent on spoiling it for the others.

The taggers who came in and sprayed the new concrete were not appreciated, along with those who broke through the fences and scratched their names in the new concrete. These were not skateboarders or scooter riders. They just want to ruin it for them.

This week, as the countdown to using it got close we had a certain group of older youth do their own thing. They removed security fencing, damaged property and made a real nuisance of themselves.

On Saturday, Matamata Rotary Club members came in and started to get it ready for using. The main fences were removed and the landscaping started.

Fifty per cent of the new park was opened a week ahead of schedule so the kids could use it in their holiday break. They were so happy and had a blast. But what did these older youth do? They intimidated the younger riders so they could have priority on the new rides, they destroyed the remaining safety barriers, and they trashed the landscaping work the Rotarians did that morning.

I watched them as they smoked, ate and drank and threw their rubbish on the ground, and pretended the upgrade was just for them.

To those bikers who want to bully others for their own end I say: ‘‘Go to the BMX track. That was made for you and make your mess there’’.

This new skate park is just that – for skateboards, blades and scooters.

Bikers are not welcome if your attitude continues to be like what has been evident this last week.

I know you have waited for this upgrade to eventuate, but you have had your own facility for 18 months and don’t even use it.

To all you skaters and scooter riders out there, I’m proud of your attitude and will continue to stand up for you every time I hear people give you the blame for the mess and the problems at the skatepark. You rock! Don’t blame the skaters! Well done directors, cast and crew. We look forward to the next show which will be a hard act to follow.