To the editor:

Re: "Central Park: Skate and destroy," May 9.

I am a 32-year-old skateboarder. I found the article on the new skate park on 16th Avenue offensive. I was offended not so much by the content as by the title, "Skate and Destroy." By calling it that in the title, you have now pushed the false negative image people have of skateboarders even further. Why not call it "Skate and be healthy." Do you have something against skateboarding? Did a neighbour actually see a skateboarder break a bottle or do graffiti? If not, then what was exactly was "destroyed" by skaters in this park? Do these problems of broken glass and graffiti not happen in every park regardless of whether there is a brand new popular skate park nearby?

The slogan "Skate and Destroy" is used as marketing to help sell the image of an American-based skateboard/punk rock magazine called Thrasher. It has nothing to do with the news you reported. How many fewer people used the wading pool on a normal given day in comparison to how many are using the skate park?

While one complaining neighbour is still amazed that people of all ages enjoy skateboarding, your article should have been called "Busy new public park is proof that more skate parks are needed."

Geoff Dermer, Vancouver