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Dear City Council Members, My name is Cory and I am a Santa Ana resident and volunteer at a local non-profit organization I would like to provide input supporting the construction of skateboarding elements in the proposed plans for improving the parks throughout Santa Ana. Currently, local skateboarders only have one choice if they wish to skate in a designated skating pace, Centennial park. Although Centennial provides adequate skating amenities, it's location in the Southwest corner of the city makes it inaccessible for many skaters. According to a research study performed by Boardtrac, 70% of skateboarders nationwide are under 18 years of age, with 40% between the ages of 6 and 12. Without reliable vehicular transportation to the skatepark, many of these youths cannot access the facility. This results in the creative use of public or private property; however, they are rarely welcomed. Once removed from the property, they are forced to skate in the street, greatly increasing the risk of being struck by a passing vehicle. Those determined enough to make the journey must skate along dangerous stretches of roadways, often without sidewalks or with severely dilapidated infrastructure, risking injury or death if struck by an absentminded driver. By including even small skate -able elements in parks throughout the city, we can help protect our youth by eliminating the need for skaters to skate in the streets and or make dangerous trips to and from the skatepark. It is evident that the City of Santa Ana is concerned about the safety of its youth, as they are the future. I urge you, as well as the Parks Department, to continue to invest in the youth of our city by listening to their thoughts at community input sessions throughout this process. Sustainable communities plan and build for their future-- for the homes, transportation, and infrastructure that today's youth need to create tomorrow's opportunities. Sincerely, Cory Witter