As a young police officer in the early 1960s, I was leaving the police station one afternoon and observed my first skateboarder on Grove Street Hill headed toward Main Street.
The late Sgt. Albert Hall and I were both shocked to see that this young man was standing on his head with his hands keeping his body upright on the skateboard. From that time on, the complaints of skateboarders increased, and we heard the same remarks that we need a skatepark in this town.
Safety for our youth is extremely important. I truly believe that Brattleboro does need a skate park. I also firmly believe that skateboards and traffic do not mix. Helmets should be required also.
Recently, I have noticed new signs regarding the use of the Crowell Lot as a skatepark. These signs ask for a different site for the skatepark location.