Sounds like the Skateboard Park is getting some momentum.
Zach may have found himself a project eh :)
Its great to have the kids involved in it. I will really be theirs once it is built.
Ill put stuff in the paper for you. Any fundraisers or whatever. Just let me know a few days ahead.
One suggestion is to make sure you keep good records and a good trail of where the money goes. People will donate if they know their donation is spent well.
What about the area south of town where we had - have the music festival. The old meat packing plant.
There's tons of room there. It is a hard sandy surface so it could handle a cement park really well. It's got a meat packing pant buried under it so it really can't handle normal buildings.
Reason I mention that is, I would like to see that area developed and have river access there eventually.
Having a skate park there, and a growing music festival, can only help in that.
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Great ideas JJ. I will keep you posted on fund raisers and such. I have almost finished a first draft of our bylaws and am about to run them by the other board members. We are also working to get together with the rec center so that donations can be made through them.
Is that land environmentally safe?
Is that land environmentally safe?
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Yes,
It just would not be suitable for building on because of all the metal and pipes and such under the ground.
But it is not a hazard at all according to the epa.
The thing that flags most people away is the high risk and liability of skate parks.
There is a likelihood of lawsuits due to broken arms, concussions, etc, so be sure you've got the liability insurance issue covered before you just cowboy out there and build a public half-pipe.
Make sure the organization is structured for limited liability from lawsuits and no personal liability for the members of the group.
Once that is in place, it could be a good place for the kids.
Zach,
Would you accept donations at your store? [small donations]
Ok so the land is environmentally safe. Isn't there some land closer to either the High School or Middle School? Building it so far south of town won’t be very easy for the kids to get to it. Unless they live south of town. There is also no real place for the kids to get snacks or food near there.
Insurance is a big issue. As I've read most cities that have skate parks have never been sued. I'm not saying that Ark City couldn't get sued. Just that most cities don't. Mind that the city has been covering insurance for the current "park" (aka tennis court) located by Pairs Park, for almost 10 years. Not once has the city been sued. I know many kids that have broken their arms and yet no lawsuit.
If the skate park is built with the help from the Rec Center does that mean that a league with form with couches and sponsors? Will they then cover the insurance? Is the Rec Center considering adding hockey to the program? I know that the current ”park” initial plans included a hockey ring.
Just my opinion, but I doubt seriously the Rec will spend any extra money on anything other than baseball and wrestling.
To one of your early points, I am pretty sure most of the skaters are from the south side. Not all...but most.
I've worked very close with the skaters and they are most of them are not from south of town. Why would you think that they are???
Would you accept donations at your store? [small donations]
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He might even accept large ones if you were real nice about it. :)
I just suggested the south end and you all know my ulterior motive there. :)
But there is land north of Kansas Ave. and around Radio Lane, that belongs to the city and is not being used.
Lots of locations.
I don't think location is going to be a problem.
That's odd. I, too, have dealt with many skaters, they ALL live on the south side. In a way you are right. Not south OF town, but the south SIDE of town.
I just don't think it is right to assume that they live in any one area.
If anyone would like to be apart of the Skate Park please email us at skatecoalition@gmail.com we can also be found at www.myspace.com/skatecoalition
Skate laws say once you step on a skate board you put your own life at risk. Therefore there is no availability of law suit as long as the facility is safe meaning no broken boards and metal. Most parks I have talked to have either signs saying skate at your own risk or helmets and pads suggested. Never a law suit at any of the 20 parks I have contacted. Donations can be made at my store if you would like and I will be sure to get your e-mails, adresses and give out some form of receipt so that you can follow your money. As for the rec center don't get down on them they came to us wanting to help and I have had a long conversation with Jay Warren already about the park. They are very interested in helping.
NO, they most certainly DO NOT ALL live on the south side of town, thank you. Just saying...
who owns the lots across from the fire dept? the railroad maybe?
If the Rec Commission takes on the Skate Coalition, nothing BUT good can come from it. Certainly not immediately, but eventually a good percentage of local kids will get involved. Confident and successful kids require consistency. The Rec, in my opinion, is a blessing for these kids. Skateboarding is dangerous but no more so than anything else. The only reason some think it is, is because they've never done it...football is horribly dangerous on so many levels but everyone supports that. Skating is no different. There is risk involved with any sport. But yes, insurance would be thru the Rec and yes, the Coalition members would be required to follow rules just like kids and parents of any youth sport sponsored thru the Rec. I'm excited about what's taking place and encourage anyone who's interested in joining, helping, serving, donating, or if you just have questions, please...come to the meeting Monday, Feb 16th at 6pm AT THE REC CTR...
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