CHARLOTTE, N.C. - From Grayson Skate Park in east Charlotte (more for beginners or kids) to skate demos in South End for teens hoping to one day get sponsored, skaters in the Charlotte area united Tuesday for international "Go Skate Day."

Skaters tell us, "It means everything to me!" Or, "It's pretty much a lifestyle!"  And northeast Charlotte resident Darrian Ratliff says, "People call it a hobby, some people call it a sport, but to us, it's a passion. It's what we do."

Parents love it, too. East Charlotte resident Chana Blackette says it keeps her son physically active.  She says. "Just really something to keep him outta the room, playing video games and keep out outta trouble. And it's really, really working!"  Another mom, east Charlotte resident Arnetta Strickland, says, "Most of them, that's all they're doing, is trying to find a way to have some fun and stay out of trouble and I support that 100 percent!"

An old building foundation in South End is one of the "unofficial" skate parks in the Charlotte area.  Skaters say they like it here because it's quiet, smooth and nobody bothers them.  South Charlotte resident Max Buchsbaum says, "You'll occasionally see a patrol car roll by, but they don't bother you unless you're really doing something stupid."

Joshua Pope, who drove to South End from Harrisburg so he could skate, says police even encourage skaters to meet here.  He says, "Like, the cops, they're so cool.  Basically, they'll tell you to come here."

Charlotte skaters and their parents say the Queen City needs more.  They want "street skate parks," something along the lines of Kettering Park in Ohio.  Mom Strickland laughs when she suggests, "At least 1 or 2 indoor parks with air conditioning!"

Good news: we're told the Mecklenburg County Park and Rec Department has show interest in developing something like the park in Ohio, but right now, details are very limited.