Avon boy gathers more than 400 signatures on petition for skatepark pavilion

AVON — The skatepark at Little League Park was wet, slippery and mostly empty Sunday afternoon as many would-be skaters decided to take the day off. But Avon resident Teal Caress, 12, believes that should not have to be the case. He is collecting signatures on an online petition asking the city to consider a "pavilion type covering" over the skatepark for days with poor weather. The petition had garnered more than 435 signatures as of Sunday evening. A BMX rider, Teal enjoys spending time with his friends at the skatepark, but his recent trips have been less than enjoyable. "It's cold and slippery. I went out there the other day. It didn't work too well," Teal said. "I just kept on falling and kept on slipping because it was all wet." The original inspiration for the petition came from Teal's stepdad, Adam Mastrone, but it was the Avon Middle School seventh-grader who took off and ran with the idea. After more than 500 signatures are gathered, Teal plans to present the petition to Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen. Some who signed the petition on change.org shared their reasons for adding their names. One supporter cited the positive community of skaters who frequent the skatepark, another promoted the safe space for young people offered there and another wrote that a pavilion would help kids skate and exercise more. For Mastrone, the petition is about giving kids a year-round outdoor space for skating, which he believes will promote healthy habits. "This is my opinion on the matter, but I think so many kids are getting lost in the electronic world," he said. "Older kids, high school, that's when kids start maybe drinking alcohol because they're bored and they've got nothing to do." As for the design Teal envisions for a potential pavilion, he imagines a roof stretching 10 to 15 feet beyond the skatepark equipment to prevent rain and snow from spoiling skaters' days. While he has not personally ridden BMX at a covered park, he has seen the concept work well on YouTube videos. It's an idea Jensen said could definitely be a possibility "somewhere along the line." He said the city welcomes kids and young adults looking to make a change, and it will be added to the list of other projects that have been recommended by community members. A next step could be having a conversation with young people who use the skatepark about a potential fundraising push. "Is there a way that you think you could … all get together and help raise money along with the petition?" Jensen said he may ask them. The petition can be found at www.change.org/p/city-of-avon-ohio-get-the-avon-ohio-skate-park-covers. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.