Petition Brief:

Help us build a Whitman Town Skate Park in memory of Chris Dobbins, our friend & Whitman skateboarding icon

When Tony Hawk visited Whitman, MA in 1989 and drew a crowd of thousands to his demo show in front of Bike Barn, it was clear then that skateboarding is interwoven with the town’s DNA. Since then, Whitman skateboarders has continued to grow in the margins of our town’s streets, sidewalks and parking lots. Skateboarding is one of those sports that “chooses you” and brings together an eclectic group of people around a single passion; because of this, the Whitman skating community has become even more firmly rooted in the town and in love for the sport, even in the absence of dedicated spaces for skating.

A great friend to so many of in Whitman, Hanson (and, more recently, all over the US), Chris Dobbins believed firmly in the idea of a skate park in Whitman. He would talk about it all the time. Chris picked up a skateboard as a young kid and he was a key member of the Whitman skateboarding community ever since. All who knew Chris Dobbins knew he had a way of making those around him feel welcome, encouraged, and safe enough to push their limits with a friend around to help you out.

We, Chris’s friends, family and those who loved him, pledge to help make Chris’s vision of a Whitman Town Skate Park come true. In memory of Chris, we welcome you to donate what you can and sign our petition to help solidify the future of the Whitman skating community that meant so much to Chris. If it’s too challenging for you to donate right now, we welcome you to sign the petition in support.

Sincerely,

The loved ones of Chris

If you’re interested in getting more active in helping us petition the Town of Whitman to build a skate park, please reach out. Skate parks have many benefits for skaters and non-skaters alike! Here are some quick reasons why you might get excited about having a new skate park near you:

COMMUNITY-LEVEL BENEFITS:

Skateparks turn skateboarding back into a team sport, unlocking many benefits for the community:

a) build strong local friendships and community,

b) training and showcase athletics,

c) provide safe spaces for skill development and self-expression

d) showcase the talent of an under-recognized local sport

e) study data shows: skate parks build disciplined, confident & engaged kids

TOWN ADMIN-LEVEL BENEFITS:

Skateparks are one of the most economical, budget-friendly ways to create & improve community spaces for skaters & non-skaters alike:

a) Low-to-no burden on town budgets (note: Whitman is in possession of donated skate park ramps, received in 2009 but not yet installed).

b) High durability, low maintenance equipment

c) Skate parks draw skateboarders away from other high traffic pedestrian areas

Petition.

https://www.change.org/p/31378764/share_for_starters?just_created=true&tag_selected=local

https://youtu.be/vDlkGpZH41Q