PORT ANGELES — Impromptu memorials to 14-year-old Frank Russo, who died Saturday from head injuries sustained while skateboarding, were moved Tuesday afternoon to the southeast corner of the Port Angeles Skatepark’s fence.
In addition, memorial messages written in either paint or marking pen were erased.
The park, which was closed while the work was done, reopened at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Young skateboarders, many sporting helmets, objected to the messages being removed.
“It’s like erasing all our memories of him,” said eighth-grader Jeremy Olsen.
“He was my best friend. They are erasing all our respect.”
Deputy Recreation Director Bill Sterling said that such writing attracts more of the same.
But he emphasized that the cards, flowers, balloons and other memorial objects weren’t being removed, just consolidated in one location.
And Sterling added that a formal memorial to Russo or other option is being studied.
