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http://www.omniture.com --> Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend June 9, 2006 Jacksonville skate park finally nears completion after 10 years By sanne specht Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — After a decade-long delay, skateboarders will soon have a bowl of their own for practicing kickflips, 180s, backsides and other gnarly tricks. The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a contract proposal to finish the town's half-built and long-languishing skate park. "Let's get this thing done," said Councilman Dean Paddison. Gridline Skateparks, described by City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen as "a reputable firm based out of Seattle, Washington," was awarded the $87,435 fixed price contract which covers all design and construction costs. The skate park, located on a hillside above D Street near the Jacksonville Cemetery, has been 10 years in the building. The first phase of the park, a concrete bowl, was constructed in 1997 for approximately $15,000 by volunteers. Then the project languished for years, said Wyntergreen. In 2003, the city council approved spending $30,000 from the city's system development charges for parks and turned the money over to contractor Eric Dawkins, who failed to complete the contract and has left the area, said Wyntergreen. Volunteer contractors jumped in to add more ramps and decking at a cost of $15,000, but they had to go back to their day jobs to make a living, leaving the project unfinished, he said. The skate park had a completion estimate of $22,615 at the end of 2005. Costs have now risen to $88,000 due to construction delays, new insurance requirements, and $68,000 in cost increases, said Wyntergreen. Material costs have increased significantly during the delays, and insurance companies for the city and Jackson County are now insisting upon a licensed, bonded skate park construction company, he said. Parks advocate and Jacksonville resident Aileen Earnest and other park supporters in March urged the council not only to complete the skate park, but to expand it to include a BMX track, basketball court and other features in adjacent areas. Total project costs leaped to $250,000. The council voted unanimously against the expanded proposal at a special council meeting on March 28. However, there are adequate funds in the parks department to complete the skate park, Wyntergreen said Tuesday. Ray's Food Place contributed $8,000 toward the project, and there are $400 in other donations.The rest of the money will come from the park department's system development charges, he said. "The skate park should be done by November 30," he said. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations --> online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Entertainment Guide --> Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy