Frequently Asked Questions.

Who would own the RCP?

The City of Rochester will be the primary permitee from the New York State Department of Transportation, and as such would retain all rights and responsibilities to the RCP. The RCP is envisioned as a free, public-use facility, just like any other park in the city. The long-term vision of the RCP Citizen Planning Group is to create a local government – citizen collaborative to maintain and enhance the park, similar to other models where citizens tend to a public-use facility while local government maintains the use permit.

Is skateboarding really a sport?

For most people (other than those good enough to get sponsored or turn pro) skateboarding, and BMX park riding are considered noncompetitive, progression-oriented sports (NCPO). NCPO sports are similar to computer games in that both demand persistence in spite of repeated failed attempts until a goal is reached. Progression-oriented - Primary goal is to learn new tricks, not to win competitions. Unlike computer games, skateboarding and bicycle riding are exercise. This is a critically important point at a time when childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions.

Obesity is, arguably, the foremost health concern in America today and the long-term health prognosis for youth who are obese or overweight is grim. The prevalence of overweight among school-age children has quadrupled in the past four decades, and the increase from 1999 (15.1% of children ages 6-11) to 2004 (18.8% of children ages 6-11) is statistically significant. Health concerns among children and adolescents struggling with obesity include being at risk for serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, orthopedic complications, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (Greaser   Whyte, 2004) (1). In addition, social and emotional problems, such as low self-esteem, negative body image or self-concept, increased stress levels, and poor socialization ability may surface (Lundy, 2003) (2).

In light of this epidemic, any opportunity for vigorous physical activity is a good thing. Skateboarding and bicycle riding are vigorous activities that permit everybody who tries them to be successful.

(1) Greaser, J.,   Whyte, J. (2004). Childhood obesity: Is there an effective treatment·? Consultant, 44(10), 1349-1354.

(2) Lundy, K. (2003). Trends and challenges relating to the rising incidence of obesity. Tackling Obesity, Retrieved September 2, 2003.



How popular is skateboarding and BMX riding?

It is nearly impossible to answer this question, but anecdotal information suggests that skateboarding and BMX riding are extremely popular and increasing in popularity.

Skateboarding

Statistics from a Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association survey indicate that the numbers of skateboarders are growing dramatically—since 1998 participation is up by 81 percent—while interest in team sports is tapering. For example, this same survey indicates that participating in baseball is down over 10%, participation in basketball is down 5%, and participation in football is down 2% in this same time period. As a point of comparison, people who participated more than once (in millions) ages 6 and greater (year 2000):
  • Basketball (37.6)
  • Football (18.3)
  • Skateboarding (11.6 – up from 5.4 in 1993)
  • Baseball (10.9)
  • Ice Hockey (2.8)
Source: Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association

BMX

In the past year, more bicycles than cars have been sold in the US. That hasn't happened since the 1973 oil crisis! "Bicycle sales are near an all-time high with 19 million sold last year [worth five to six billion dollars] -- close to the 20 million sold during the oil embargo in the early 1970s," said Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong, an association based in Boulder, Colorado. "Some 87 million people [in the US] have climbed on a bike in the past 12 months," he adds. BMX sales account for 30% of all bike sales according to the Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

At most skate parks, most athletes are skateboards (about 60%) and the remaining athletes are BMX riders (about 25%) and in-line skaters (about 15%).

Source: Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association