Concerns Raised about Neglected State of City Skate Park
by James Coulter
Vandalism. Graffiti. Juvenile delinquents. Lake of shade, seating, and water. These are some of the problems plaguing the city’s skate park, and concerns about these problems were brought to the attention of city commissioners.
At a recent city commission meeting on Mon. July 28, two residents spoke during public comments. Both residents raised concerns about the current state of the skate park located near Lake Silver in Downtown Winter Haven.
One resident, Alex Loftis, mentioned how the park lacks surveillance cameras and police presence. As such, the park has remained susceptible to vandalism and unscrupulous individuals loitering at the park.
Loftis told the commissioners how his younger brother was antagonized by a group of unruly youth, who attempted to goad his brother into a fight and even threw rocks at him.
“It turned into an ordeal that shouldn’t have [existed],” he said. “None of this is on surveillance, and in my opinion, that is not right. It should be treated like every other park in Winter Haven.”
Loftis recommended the city install a water fountain for park patrons to hydrate themselves, benches for them to rest or watch skaters, and a fence to keep out potential vandals and vagrants.
He praised the skate park for being one of the best parks of its kind in the country. He said no other park compares to it, especially with the scenic beauty of the nearby lake and natural landscape. As such, the park deserved to be better treated and maintained.
“Honestly, it is the most beautiful skate park in the whole country,” he said. “I have traveled the whole country, and there is none like the scenery in Winter Haven.”
His mother, Jessie Scubna, also spoke about the neglect of the park. A local business owner, she and her family were advocates for the skate park, which was constructed and opened to the public in 2020.
“We do appreciate those who are still on the commission who made that happen, but we are at a point where once it has been built, it has seemed to be put on the back burner,” Scubna said.
Like her son, she likewise suggested fencing to be installed, which she said would be “the first step in making it feel safer.” She claimed delinquency at the park was so bad that leaving one’s personal belongings unattended there proved unwise and unsafe.
“You honestly can’t even put your phone down as a skateboarder because anyone can come from any angle and snatch it,” she said.
She also recommended that installing surveillance cameras at the park would help curb potential vandalism and delinquency. She also suggested installing lighting to permit patrons to skate after dark.
“I think the park is a great asset and I would like to see you treat it like you treat the ski area,” she said.
