Without a dedicated area for their sport, skaters have used steps, curbs, walls, and sidewalks throughout the downtown and across the City. The impact of skater activities is financially burdensome to merchants and property owners who must repair the damage, and to the police department who must answer the numerous complaints. Clearly, a solution is needed. The Association has conducted research to show that skateparks work and are safe, and not a liability to the community. The Peabody Police Department, Recreation, Parks and Forestry Department, and the Department of Community Development and Planning agree that building a park may alleviate many of these issues of public safety and property damage, and will provide a much-needed recreational resource to our community.
Studies show that a convenient and central location is needed for such a project.
As proposed some years ago, the former tennis courts and adjacent parkland at Emerson Park on Perkins Street lend themselves perfectly for this venture. The site combines a wide variety of existing recreational uses, minimizes impacts on residential neighborhoods, and is in close proximity to both Higgins Middle School and, more importantly, the Peabody Police Department. All of these assets combined provide a safe and visible location. A group of very committed and responsible young skaters has come forward to work with the above-mentioned departments to plan, design, and help fund this proposed facility. They have attended bi-weekly meetings since May to work on this project.