Published Thursday, October 3, 2002
town, teens say
Herald Staff Writer
Work on a proposed skate park that was launched with a West Middlesex teen's initiative could begin as soon as next summer.
Melissa Koch, recreational specialist for Mercer County Regional Council of Governments, said at a meeting Wednesday that a grant application will be submitted to COG in March. The proposed park would be funded through a $40,000 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a $20,000 match from in-kind services from local governments.
Ms. Koch said plans being considered would put a tennis court-sized park near the borough playground, pool and Little League complex on Walnut Street. It would have an asphalt ground covering, would be surrounded by a 6- to 8-foot fence and would feature moveable equipment.
About 30 residents attended the meeting and were divided about the proposed park. Young people attended to offer ideas and ask questions.
Borough residents raised questions about parking, policing of the park, if 'skate guards' would be employed and if the borough would be financially responsible for the park.
Council President Robert Lucich said the most important thing would be the safety of those who would use the park.
"It will get the kids off the streets and let them skate in a safe, controlled environment," he said.
Some residents voiced concerns about increased vandalism and parking congestion and questioned who would be liable.
Others, such as Patty Moore, of Lackawannock Township, whose son is a West Middlesex student, expressed support for the proposed park. "I am behind it 110 percent," she said.
"Not all kids are 'regular sports' athletes," she said. "Many want to get involved with extreme sports."
Chad Saylor, 14, of West Middlesex, got the push for the skate park started last year.
"We just need a safe place to ride," he said. "We don't want to destroy the parking lots, and the businesses don't want us to drive their businesses away."
Chad approached Lucich with a plan, and Lucich said that if Chad did the research, he would present it to council.
Chad started a petition drive, getting numerous signatures from downtown businesses and residents in support of a park.
He said he visited skate parks in Churchill, Ohio; Michigan, Florida and Erie to see how they were set up. He also researched which brands of equipment caused the least amount of noise.