As skateboarders, we’re used to getting kicked out of everywhere, but this is just getting ridiculous.

I’m sure some of you will think it’s irresponsible to ask the government to reopen Ontario’s skateparks, but hear me out.

When it comes to the coronavirus, there’s a lot that’s not being considered by the public or the government.

For instance, getting enough sun and regular exercise is important for maintaining a strong immune system, and without facilities like skateparks, it’s getting harder and harder for people to do this.

In addition, isolation and distancing are going to further harm our health by creating stress due to anxiety, depression and loneliness.

At the same time, many experts have declared that social distancing will only prolong the existence of the coronavirus, because it’s preventing people from building herd immunity.

In Sweden, where the government has not imposed restrictions on the public, we’re already seeing evidence of this.

Despite refusing to shut down businesses or force people to distance themselves, in a New York Daily News article, Sweden’s top health official has declared that coronavirus numbers are slowing down because of herd immunity.

As we can see from the Swedish example, it does not make sense that all Ontarians should have their rights violated and their lives destroyed to protect a minority of people who are susceptible to this virus.

People who are at risk should be responsible for protecting their own health, and the rest of us should be able to get on with our lives, including skateboarders.

So, let’s petition our local governments to do what’s right and reopen all skateparks in Ontario.