When the skateboarding stops

Last Saturday afternoon, I happened to be passing by the skate board/BMX arena at the Msida roundabout and, stopping to take a look, I was taken aback by what I saw.

The place was quite well patronised by young people all equipped with skateboards and bicycles but activity was lacking as those present, young cigarette-smoking boys and half-naked girls, were more intent on fooling about in groups than actually making use of their equipment. Moreover, I noticed a middle-aged man, lying face up on the side, rolling cigarettes(?). It seems that this supposed sports venue is becoming more of a meeting place for mixed groups, in a semi-secluded place, without any control or supervision whatsoever.

On moving on, I could not but envisage the dissolute atmosphere therein under cover of night. Furthermore the place is unhealthy due to the excessive pollution caused by the heavy passing traffic.