Skateparks are now being financed by cities seeing the attraction and benefits of giving youth a place to hang out with friends and peers. The 2006 U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population of West Valley City, UT at 117,506 and studies show that most skaters are 5-24 years which, if you take into account West Valley’s population, that would be 36,972 (1,700 Skaters) persons or roughly 31.5% of the population. If you were to add in the population of individuals in West Valley between the ages of 25-34 years old which would have grown since the 2006 census, that would add an additional 20,464 (941 Skaters) more individuals, or 48.87% of the population.

The closest park located to West Valley is in Taylorsville at 4750 so. Redwood Rd., which is not accessible to youth without transportation and is consistently too crowded at the height of the weekend showing the need for more public parks. There needs to be a place to gather for kids who are not attracted to the traditional team sports that would give the youth an opportunity to express themselves in an individual and athletic manner. Getting the youth, particularly at-risk kids, involved in a personal and esteem-building activity like skateboarding helps them build the confidence to do well in other aspects of their lives.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/westvalleyskatepark/