This person has to be respected and liked by the youth, and also organized and responsible when working with the community. This person has to help the youth to understand that these public awareness and fundraising efforts were necessary in order to meet their goal of building a skatepark. Of course, this is difficult because many youth are not particularly interested in delayed gratification, planning for the future, and speaking to strangers about their needs and wants. After the fact, most committee members will tell you that designing the park was fun, but fundraising and public awareness was generally unpleasant work. It is very helpful to involve as many parents and other interested adults as early in the skatepark campaign as possible.
Adults are essential connections to city government and business.
At first, the city council as well as other groups and businesses might not pay much attention to a group of local youth, but recognition improves when youth are backed-up by a group of adults who are taxpayers and voters. No matter what a person's personal religious practice or belief, these individuals are powerful members of almost any community or government. When you approach the religious community, it helps to stress the community-based need for the skatepark. Take time to emphasize the positive aspects of skateboarding and the skateboard community. This is the kind of emphasis that will garner their support.