Some Queens kids are spending their summers learning how to skateboard thanks to a free clinic being offered by the New York City Parks Department at Forest Park.
Forest Park and Highland Park administrator Debbie Kuha explained that they would see many children in the area skateboarding and decided that a program to accommodate their interest was needed. The park also got funding to create a skate area.
The summer skateboard clinic, which started July 8, is for children between eight and 13 and is open to those of all skill levels. It aims to get children outside and off the couch, give them a chance to meet new friends, get some exercise and learn something new, according to events coordinator and marketing director Jonathan Matt.
“I’ve just been wanting to learn how to skateboard,” 13-year-old Fresh Meadows resident Shivanna Sooknanan said of why she decided to participate in the clinic.
Sooknanan said that during the first session she and her fellow skaters got to know each other and started to learn how to get on the board and ride it. Having never been on a skateboard before, she said she was nervous at first, but that it was fun once she got used to it.
“I’m hoping to learn a few tricks and different things to do on skateboards,” Sooknanan said.
Ridgewood resident Sergio Soto brought his 10-year-old son Nicholas to the clinics because his son wanted to skateboard. Soto had his reservations about skateboarding because he thought it would be dangerous. However, he said that, through the clinic, Nicholas has learned safety along with how to ride the skateboard.
“It’s wonderful. It’s great that these kids at least get to learn it and it’s free,” Soto said, adding that Nicholas has loved the experience. “He won’t have the fear of standing on a skateboard [any more].”
The clinics are being taught by skateboarders Mike Steward, 19, and Nico Delgrosso, 18.
“We’re just trying to teach kids how to skate,” Steward said. “They’re really psyched, I think.”
Kuha said that the kids have been helping each other during the clinic.
Matt said that, initially, the children had been nervous about getting on the skateboards, although he added that it’s in a good way. He said they then get excited and are able to get over their fears of doing something new.
“The kids are amazing. You see one maybe fall, get right back up, try the same thing over and over again until you see them going up and down these ramps like it was second nature to them,” Matt said. “It’s really great.”
Steward said that the best part of his job is being able to skate and see how happy the kids are.
Matt also said that seeing the happiness of the kids is the most fulfilling aspect of his job.
“Seeing these kids have fun is great,” Matt said.
For more information on the New York City Parks Department and its programs, visit www.nycgovparks.org.
