WOW What frustrations! Having been on both sides of this fence, I am shocked to see so many miss the point. The point is MUTUAL respect, lack thereof. Last October, we had a professional skateboarding troupe (with their own insurance) do an expo IN our building (City Museum - St. Louis). Have you thought about having such a group perform and do "educational workshops" teaching techniques and respect? It might turn these youth into lifelong museum - goers. Most of the property damage is caused by a very small group, correctly identified by other posts as having discipline / authority issues. By welcoming these young people - and the respectful boarders as well - you have a chance to make new community connections (children and parents). I have experienced that these children have been often shown no respect themselves by their parents or teachers and therefore show no respect to others. They have no respect for themselves because no one respects them. The only method of learning afforded them is that of control and authority, often abusive. "Conform or be cast out" is the message they receive. By sending a message that you aren't against skateboarding (their sport), and them, personally (as a group, as individuals, and their interests), you may gain the respect you desire. Largely, these youth see themselves as outsiders, alone, and against the world because it is against them. Prove that you are not against them and they will accept you into their circle. You will both be much richer for it. Some of you have admitted displeasure at the teens getting what they want by first doing something distasteful to the larger community. How do you think we get changes in society? Most often when a majority group in control won't listen to the wishes of a minority group, the minority group has to take action. Strikes, boycotts, walk-outs, petitions - none of these are new. The teens had no place to follow their favored activity without it upsetting the majority (adults) so they petitioned. It worked. You should be proud that they followed the procedure adults established and got their needs met. If a community has built sports fields and swimming pools, why not skate parks? I very much like Kathleen's response. She has pointed what should have been the obvious. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).