Petition To Rename Skate Park After Man Who Brought the Sport to New Lenox

One New Lenox family has started a petition to either rename Countryview Park or establish a memorial to honor the skateboarding contributions of the late Michael P. Kurzawski

The inclusion of a skateboard run at Countryview Park is what triggered the idea, said Mike Ferreira, of New Lenox. He is Kurzawski's 25-year-old grandson.

Kurzawski owned and operated the now-shuttered Drop In Skatepark at Cedar Road and Edison Drive from 1991-2008. The former Vietnam veteran breathed life into the sport right here in New Lenox, according to Ferreira. It was an indoor park. He also dedicated his time to promote youth sports overall by coaching girls softball

Ferreira has prepared an online petition for the New Lenox Community Park District. It asks the park district to find a way to memorialize his grandfather's efforts. To sign the petition, view it here at Petition New Lenox Park District. By 4 p.m. July 31, 168 supporters have signed the two-day-old petition.

The grandson said ideally he would like the park district to rename Countryview Park after Kurzawski. And emulating the self-propelled style that he admired in his grandfather, Ferreira has already been in discussion with the park district.

"It's a long, arduous process to have a park renamed" said Lauren Lotz, communications director for the NLCPD.

It begins with a letter that explains the specifics, she said. Then it goes to the board for an initial review.

Although the process can be tedious, Lotz said, she encourages Ferreira to move toward his goal.

Ferreira said skateboarding is practically in his family's blood.

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