07-19-2022 - David WaiteMeeting Type:
Meeting Date:
Name:
Resident/
Business Owner
CITY OF
Federal Way
Centered on Opportunity
Public Comment - Written
City Council Regular Meeting
July 19, 2022
David Waite
M
Comment Topic: Joint Use Operation and Maintenance Facility
Written Comment:
I see that one of the 3 possible sites for the new Maintenance building is the skatepark,
The city really needs to see the wonderful asset it has in a public space that appeals to
younger people and encourages physical activity and being in a space that encourages
diversity and social skills. I manage the only independently owned skateboard shop in
federal way 35th Avenue off 288th and pacific highway, have been here since 2001 and
the store has been here since 1994.We have seen the growth of skateboarding this past
few years and in the last 2 years it has at least tripled. The parks dept/maintenance team
may not understand the flow of participants and usage of a skatepark, if there is a flow of
4-6 people who rotate in and out over a 6 hour span that is a healthy usage,
Skateboarding is a sport that you might only use the facility before work(like me) for 45
minutes or for a young person it maybe be after school before doing home work, or for
some it's getting the last 30 minutes of daylight after work. It's a unique space that has
no fees or teams, it encourages creativity and inspires a community to grow together.
wish I could be there to say all this in person but I just can't make it tonight, This is a
valuable space, don't take it for granted.