Park View Homeowners Assoc.

Just wanted to put this out there and see if anyone else has an opinion of the kids using the corner of 40th and Clybourne as a skateboarding park.

Lately there have been a group of kids skateboarding in the street. They've set up ramps and jumps and, no exagerations, are playing on this stuff in the middle of the street. Whey you go to drive past, they don't move, they just look at you like they're annoyed you're interrupting them.

I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I'm glad they've found something ''wholesome'' to do instead of getting into trouble, and I'm glad to see kids outside during nice weather. On the other hand, it really is a hazard to have them playing like this in the street. I wonder if their parents are aware of this and do they care? Is there somewhere safer that they can play, for both their own safety and for the sake of motorists? Are there laws about this?

Just wondering what some of you think about this. Thanks-



By valley neighbor

Skateboarding

I have watched from my home (I am a little closer to St. Paul Ave.) and drove by the kids on 40th-they are very respectful kids and DO look out for vehicles and DO move out of the way when vehicles come through. I know this was the first and only time they have skated there, which was this past weekend.
These are not the usual neighborhood troublemakers, and they are not out there every single day. One of the kids told me they had to move from the west end of Clybourn because they kept getting threatened and hassled by THE neighborhood thugs and other thugs outside of the neighborhood.
When I see them out again I will be sure to caution them to be moe watchful of cars and drivers.



By 40th Street near St. Paul

Kids

Parents are aware and several kids' parents have been supervising and do care, or they would not be taking the time to supervise the kids when they are out skateboarding...Unlike many parents who boot their kids out the door and don't care where they are or what they are doing all day and most of the night.
However we appreciate your concerns and we will tell the kids to be more careful, if itbecomes a genuine problem we will ask them not to use anything other than their skateboards when they are out.

Skateboarding

Cut the kids a break.
It's not like they have taken over the Street or are planning a skateboarding takeover of the Vslley.
If they are respectful, move out of the way of vehicles, and in the house and off the street by dark this should not really be a problem.
Instead of posting here and trying to stir up trouble if you drive by and the kids are there and you feel there is a problem, stop and talk to the kids. I do not think any one of them would have a problem with this, or you would get any attitude problems. These ARE the nicest kids I've met in the Valley.

By Another Valley Neighbor