Throughout last year I tried to enjoy my favorite activity, skateboarding in the West Valley and Salt Lake area. It almost seems that this is illegal, with signs prohibiting it on streets and sidewalks and constant harassment by local police.
We try to skate at public schools in the area. Most of these belong to the Granite School District, and we are told to leave by school employees or district police. They ask us numerous questions, check our names for warrants and threaten us with fines and taking of our skate boards.They claim that we are trespassing but never say anything to people who often play football or basketball at the same schools.
I think skateboarding should be allowed, but if it is going to prohibited, then cities should build designated skating areas at local parks. It is very popular in Utah and the United States and should be encouraged by everyone, not prevented.
Matt Ledingham
West Valley City