Those looking for a good cause to support amid the turbulent final days of the coronavirus pandemic need look no further than Father Marinaro Park.

Repairs are currently needed at the park’s skateboard facility, which provides a great spot for local youths to engage in outdoor recreation.

On June 26, the Southside Park Group is hosting the Father Marinaro Skate Competition and Community Day, which will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The fundraising event and community gathering will include a skateboarding competition, but will also offer food, craft vendors, face painting, a DJ and other activities.

The park’s softball association is looking to host winery and brewery tents during the event.

Although Southside Park Group had previously raised enough money to install security cameras in the park following a vandalization incident, the rising cost of lumber and a lack of donations during the past year because of the pandemic left the group without the requisite amount of funds to replace the skate park’s hubba ramp and vertical wall. Money raised during the skate competition will go toward the ramp and wall’s replacement — and the group hopes to eventually replace its pyramid ramp, which was removed from the park several years ago. We wish the group well, and hope that residents who can afford to do so give this fundraiser the boost it needs. For those who want to help, but cannot do so financially, there are likely opportunities to assist at the site.

One youth who uses the park told the Eagle he picks up trash and leaves at the skate park and helps to maintain it. Cindy Parker, of the Southside Park Group, told the Eagle that the park provides a great community benefit.

“The park is an important part of our community,” she said. “It keeps the kids off the streets and gives them a place to go.”

During COVID-19, many people — including youths — spent more time engaged in outdoor recreation because of restrictions on indoor events to prevent the spread of the virus.

Now that the COVID-19 era is waning, continuing to encourage young people to take part in outdoor activities is vital. It gives them a safe place to go with their friends when they are not in school, and provides opportunities for exercise and socialization. We hope the upcoming fundraiser helps bring the planned replacement projects at the park to fruition.

— NCD