Youngster pursues skate park

ALLENTOWN — At a time in the nation’s history when some people seem disillusioned with government and don’t believe they can make a difference anymore, they may not even bother trying to get things done.

Fortunately, not all people believe this to be true.

Ethan Dale, 10, of Breza Road, believes he can make a difference. Recently, Ethan sent a petition to the mayors of Allentown and neighboring Upper Freehold Township.

The petition contained five pages of signatures from Ethan’s friends requesting the construction of a skate park in the area.

"There are no skate parks around here," said Ethan, who is an avid user of in-line skates and skateboards.

The type of park being requested by Ethan and his friends is a virtual obstacle course of "half-pipes," "quarter-pipes" and "bladder bowls."

The "half-pipes" and "quarter-pipes" are big "U-shaped" ramps, usually made of wood, and are of various heights and lengths, that the skaters can skate up and down on. A "bladder bowl" is used for the same purpose but looks like an in-ground pool that has been drained. Skaters use the ramps to perform tricks on their skates and boards.

Ethan’s petition has drawn a response. The youngster said he received word from the mayors of both communities in regard to his request.

A letter from Upper Freehold came from Richard Osborn, who was the town’s mayor in 2000, while a phone call was made to Ethan from Mayor Stuart Fierstein of Allentown.

Both public officials commended Ethan for his dedication and efforts and said they have passed the matter on to their respective recreation departments for consideration.

A similar skate park has been in use for some time at Liberty Oak Park in Freehold Township.