Posted 4/11/01 North Branch kids need your help: Sunday Night, by MaryHelen Swanson The weather has finally warmed to an almost-comfortable cool, a robin was sighted, the geese are back, and I picked pussy willows and theyíre on my desk as proof that spring is here. The kids are out and about, too. For a while, I thought all this talk about overcrowded schools was a hoax because I never saw any kids around this town. What were they doing all winter? Well, now theyíre out and about and last week I ran into a bunch trying to have some fun by flying through the air, sailing off a ramp and landing this way and that, and sometimes more than that, with a scratched elbow or two to prove theyíd been out there. They were skateboarding near Abundant Life church and on the sidewalk near City Hall and various other places. When I jumped out to take some photos they surrounded me asking what I was doing. I introduced myself, said I thought there might be some interesting shots in their play and then it started. ìCould you help us?î they chorused. Help? What could the editor of a paper do for these kids? Well, it seems they truly need a place to skateboard. The street, they realize, is not good, nor the sidewalks. But there is no place for them with a smooth surface, where they can set up ramps and balance beams and such to practice their high-flying stunts. As I watched, it hit me that these kids had a lot of energy, guts and were good at what they were doing, and that, after a long, long winter. And they were polite and sincere in asking for my help. So, I said yes. And thatís where this column comes in. Does anyone out there know of a good place for these young people, perhaps as many as 30, to skateboard on a regular basis? Is anyone willing to organize a club for skateboarders? Could you help them set up ramps or even help them with their skills? It seems to be a very popular sport and a good one for the kids. And it will keep them occupied and out of trouble. Now, I suspect that if North Branch kids are into skateboarding, so are the kids in other area communities. Perhaps there could be a united effort in organizing a club, or at least finding a place for them to do their thing. The kids are asking for help, and they know how we can help them. Nowís the time to act and provide a place to play. They created a skateboard park in the city of Isanti a few years ago, perhaps thatís a place to start to find out how it was done. And perhaps there are a few of you not far past the teenaged years who were also into the sport, or still are, who could ring lead this effort. Iím doing my part by informing you of a community need for our kids, now, someone please jump in and help us all out. If anyone has a solution to this dilemma, give me a call, 674-7025, and Iíll convey your offer to the kids. My parting suggestion to the kids - donít forget to wear protective gear, the asphalt is awfully hard and your skin is not. ©Post Review