The Graham Dickinson Memorial Skate Park

Latitude
Longitude
41°16'20.6'' 73°29'30.0''

The Graham Dickinson Memorial Skate Park is located in the center of Ridgefield, CT. The Skate Park was built during the summer of 1998 and is used by the public. Many teenagers, and some elementary school students, use the Skate Park as a fun way to stay out of trouble. The skate park was dedicated to 16 year old Graham Dickinson. He and his friends sent out flyers and petitioned in front of Ridgefield Town Hall. His dream of having a skate park built in town came true, however, tragically he was killed in an automobile accident prior to the opening of the Skate Park.

The future of the Skate Park is a very positive one. Many parents of teenagers who use the park are happy that the town provided, "a safe venue where teens can go to stay out of trouble." The Graham Dickinson Memorial Skate Park is located behind Yanity Gymnasium in the town center. The town located the park here because, they had the open space and thought it was an easy location for teens to reach without much help from their parents.

Not only skateboarders use the Skate Park, roller-bladers have taken a permanent hold as well. Trick skating has become a "hot topic", here in Ridgefield. The new high tech skates, and skateboards, have become more abundant at the park. Many teens enjoy the Skate Park and are glad that is there for their use. Ridgefielder's have said that they are glad that there is now a place where teens can go to "hang out", and not clutter the streets of Ridgefield. Storekeepers are also happy, they were disappointed when teens would stop and stand in front of their stores, blocking the entrances, and intimidating people and scaring them away.

All in all the Graham Dickinson Memorial Skate Park, located behind Yanity Gymnasium in Ridgefield's town center, has provided a safe recreational activity for children of all ages.

 

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