Skateboarders and trick bicyclists are invited to put their spin on things at a public meeting Wednesday about a proposed skate park in West Middlesex.

"We want to give residents who live right there a chance to air their concerns and any youth could give us some ideas about what we could bring to the park," said Melissa Koch, recreational specialist for Mercer County Regional Council of Governments. Of course, anyone in the county is welcome at the public meeting to discuss ideas and concerns, she added.

Recently the COG board approved applying for about $40,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to build the park in a recreation area on Walnut Street that includes Lackawannock-Shenango-West Middlesex Community Pool, a picnic shelter and a playground. A $20,000 local match would come from in-kind services from local governments.

COG could hear about the grant as early as March and, if it is approved, construction could start next summer and finish by next fall, Ms. Koch said.

"I am going to make a short presentation about the park and about the funding source, which will be no cost to anyone involved," Ms. Koch said about Wednesday's meeting at 5 p.m. in the West Middlesex borough building on North Street. She will also talk about a letter she is drafting to send to DCNR stating the benefits of having a skate park in the community. The letter can be signed by other county supporters.

The park for skateboarders, in-line skaters, scooter riders, and BMX bicyclists is expected to be about 5,000 to 7,000 square feet. According to a project description, it will include equipment such as grind rails and ramps.

For more information, call Ms. Koch at (724) 981-1561.