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Tequesta Residents Urge Council to Fix, Not Fence, Skatepark; Petition Tops 200 Signatures
Summary
Youth and residents told the Village of Tequesta council they oppose fencing the skate park and requested lighting, ramp repairs and less abrasive concrete; staff said no closure/fencing had been planned and promised to investigate maintenance and return with recommendations.
Dozens of residents turned out at the March 12 council meeting to press the village to improve — not close — the Tequesta skate park, presenting a petition and specific repair requests.
Christian Carter, who said he lives off Pine View Road, described a petition that gathered more than 220 signatures in days and detailed safety problems: two ramps with “serious alignment issues” that damage boards and can cause severe lacerations, and an extremely abrasive concrete surface that causes frequent, deep skin abrasions and rapid equipment wear. Carter asked council not to fence the park and recommended adding lighting to keep the park usable during peak hours (until about 8 p.m.) and to reduce visits to unsafe alternative locations.
Resident Austin Dezikin, who said he has skated for most of his life, emphasized the park’s role as a community hub where youth build resilience and social ties. Dezikin asked the council to invest in updated features, better lighting, and regular maintenance so the park remains safe and welcoming.
Councillors and staff responded that, to the best of their knowledge, there had been no proposal to fence or close the park. The mayor and staff asked residents to email details about damaged ramps and locations so staff could inspect them. The council directed staff to investigate repair costs, lighting options, and maintenance improvements and to report back; if warranted, staff said the item could be added to the April strategic workshop for fuller discussion.
Why it matters: Residents say the skate park is heavily used by youth and that poorly maintained surfaces and damaged ramps raise safety and equity concerns. Council’s immediate response — promising a staff investigation and possible strategic-workshop discussion — moves the issue from public comment toward potential capital maintenance or budget action.
Quote: "We have 220 signatures in that short time period…please not fence off the skatepark," said Christian Carter.
Next steps: Staff will inspect the park, estimate repair and lighting costs, and return with recommendations to council; candidates to fill budget or capital requests will be considered according to staff findings and the village’s strategic planning calendar.
