It's funny how time gets away from you. Until I went back to the Village of Newark Valley's website and located the article, I could have sworn the skatepark, which

is a memorial to Nicolas Wilson, was built in 2006. Unfortunately, 2006 was the

year Nick died in Iraq. The article then went on to give the opening date of October

2009, making the park 16 years old. Sixteen years! Wow!

Anyway, many who follow us on social media are very familiar with the ebb and flow of the park. We've pooled resources periodically, and rounded up volunteers through the years to make necessary repairs. It was always my belief, that those who used the park should invest a little time and energy to keep it running. The responsibility should not fall entirely on the Village of Newark Valley.
Recently, I was contacted because the park was locked up and no one seemed to know why. Shortly after, rumors started flying about the possible shut down of the skatepark that left me concerned. I'm very happy to report, they were not true.
A week or so ago, I met with a writer from the Owego Pennysaver, and the Village of Newark Valley Mayor, James Tornatore. It was a very productive positive meeting. Just as he has been since the early 2000's, Mayor Tornatore is still one of the biggest champions of the skatepark. In fact, he already had a grant writer working on an application for funding repairs. It was a huge relief! We also had the opportunity to discuss other issues that I was unaware of, and brings me back to investment.
You see, the Village of Newark Valley has always provided a Porta-Poddy maintained the property the park sits on, and even provided safety gear for those who don't have it. But, being a small community made it difficult to keep the park in repair with only three employees able to maintain it. This is why I believe in pride of ownership. Those who want to use the park should assist with it's upkeep, which is why S2S has always attempted to make the necessary repairs by pooling funds and volunteering labor. However, after 16 years, the concept hasn't grown on the youngsters in town. I was not pleased to learn, and to see, the vandalism that had taken place recently. It looked to me like someone had hacked a huge hole in one of the smaller ramps. According to Mayor Tornatore, this is not the first instance. In fact, one of the more popular forms of vandalism seems to be knocking over the Porta-Poddy. My bet, is the kids responsible have never engaged with the maintenance of the park pride in ownership. Typically, you are not going to destroy that which you have invested yourself in. This leads me to two conclusions: One, if the grant application goes through and there are funds to rehab the skatepark, we should encourage the kids to participate in the process. And two, if the grant doesn't go through, we need to step up and raise funds, as well. The other thing we all need to do, is to teach the younger generation to appreciate what has been given to them. So much work and effort has gone into this memorial for Nick Wilson. We need to teach our children to be respectful. Not just of the men and women who have sacrificed for us, but for the legacy they leave behind. Because Nick was an avid BMXer, the skatepark was built to honor him. Keeping the park clean and well maintained is how we give back. Let us be honorable, as well.