How has the Dune X group been organized?

Our mission is to serve the youth of the Duneland community with contemporary sports activities
that enourage a passion for achievement, respect for others, sense of pride to not be influenced
by negative influences. Activities include coaching, professional exhibitions, outings to
other parks, cookouts, music & skate jams and youth fund-raising events.

There are a set of by-laws and a governing body of officers and committee members.
There are monthly meetings held the last Tuesday of the month at the the Westchester Library.
The organization has 501(c) not-for-profit corporation status. Committees include: Fundraising;
Public relations/press; Youth; Park development. An operating budget has been
established and a saving account that is within our bylaws, acts as a trust for earmarked building
funds.

President Bill Mullin
Amanda Weaver, VP/Secretary
Florian Stecuich, Tres.
Youth Coordinator Michael Hasselbring

What is a skatepark? A series of ramps, rails, platforms, and ledges, laid out in a way that
has a logical flow, that allow kids to practice and perform moves & tricks.
Why does Duneland need a skatepark?
To establish Chesterton as a regional attraction and a contemporary community to live in.
To provide a safe environment and engaging activity for the youth.
To reduce the potential of personal injuries & traffic accidents.
To reduce wear & tear on property.
To legitimize the interests of the youth.
To give youth a place they identify with, as their own space.
To give the youth an opportunity for community development , experiencing the building process
and interacting with the community.

A parent's commentary
I’ve learned a few things while watching my son skateboarding . One is that I’ve had to get over
the idea he may hurt himself. I have to put it in the “no pain, no gain” file. So far, I don't see this
creating any more injuries than my days in football. Most importantly is what I’ve learned about
the skater community. There is a shared respect among skaters. These are kids with a
passionate interest in learning and living like the Pros these see on the videos the watch on rainy days.
As kids try new things, others provide encouragement. Although the sport might be in the
“extreme” category and the skaters come across as radical, the kids I’ve seen are not aggressive
or antagonistic. Some may view Chesterton skaters & bikers as wild or destructive, because
they grind and wear down public areas or private property. There isn’t a set of stairs my son
sees in public without imagining what it would be like to jump them. Skaters & bikers are mostly
left to skate where ever they can because they don’t have a place of their own. It's time for this
area to invest in our youth. The park and the activities that will be conducted around it
are a great vehicle.