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A Staff Report

In Elizabethtown, NC, a local senior at UNC Wilmington, Luke Norton, is making waves by dedicating his fall internship to a unique cause that has been gaining momentum—Elizabethtown Skate Park. Luke’s journey with the skate park began during the pandemic, and now he’s on a mission to boost awareness and address the park’s needs.

As a tourism major, Norton recognized the potential of the Elizabethtown Skate Park in bolstering outdoor recreation initiatives, and he teamed up with the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce to make a difference. His innovative approach includes inviting an expert, Terry Grimble, who once had a pivotal role in the skate park’s development, to speak at the Chamber Member Meeting held on October 17.

Terry Grimble’s connection to the skate park dates back eight years when he was a consultant for its creation. Located in close proximity to Elizabethtown Town Hall and Leinwand Park, the skate park has been a hub of exciting activities. Grimble used to organize an annual competition at the park that attracted participants from across the region, breathing life into this outdoor haven.

Speaking to an audience of over 30 attendees, Grimble highlighted the multifaceted utility of skate parks. These recreational spaces cater to skateboarders, in-line skaters, and BMX riders, thereby promoting a healthy and active outdoor lifestyle for all ages. Moreover, they play a vital role in enhancing self-esteem among the youth and have been proven to reduce crime in the surrounding areas.

Grimble brought attention to the soaring popularity of skateboarding, especially after its inclusion in the Olympics. Citing a study involving high school students, he revealed that skateboarding ranked as the third most popular interest among teenagers, the fourth most engaging sport in terms of recreational hours, and the third least expensive sport to pursue. He also noted that some areas have begun forming school teams and offering skateboarding classes, further cementing the sport’s growing appeal.

While the Elizabethtown Skate Park is maintained by the Town of Elizabethtown and was found to be in good shape by Grimble, he recommended establishing a comprehensive maintenance plan to preserve its condition. He emphasized the importance of identifying a retail space to support skateboarding enthusiasts and creating a dedicated support group to nurture the sport’s growth within the town.

In recognition of Grimble’s dedication to the cause, Norton presented him with a well-deserved Community Service award. Moving forward, Norton has plans to present his findings and suggestions to the Town staff and initiate a group called “Friends of the Skateboard Park” as part of his ongoing project.

Luke Norton’s commitment to the Elizabethtown Skate Park and the youth it serves is a testament to the positive impact individuals can make when they put their passion and dedication towards a meaningful cause. As skateboarding continues to capture the hearts and minds of the community, it’s efforts like Norton’s that can help skate parks flourish and enrich the lives of local residents.