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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 9, 2005 Jacksonville puts brakes on plans for skate park By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — The continued delays in completing the city’s skateboard park may bring about its ultimate demise, enthusiasts fear. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, staff submitted letters from people in support of the unfinished park. They also advised council members the project was recommended for completion by the city’s parks committee on Aug. 24 at an estimated cost of $22,615. But the council opted to put the project on hold while it takes a second look at the park’s pros and cons, said City Administrator Paul Wyntergreen. "They have strong concerns about the park’s visibility and (the city’s) ability to monitor the park in its present location," said Wyntergreen. "They are looking at tearing it out, maybe moving it to a new location or having (no skate park) at all." The park is on D Street, near the Jacksonville Cemetery. Advertisement Proponents of the skate park are now prepared to battle for its salvation. "You ask skaters all over the valley and they’ll tell you one of their favorite parks is Jacksonville," said Bryna Stalarow. "It’s just a feeling." Stalarow — a 34-year-old mother who skates throughout Southern Oregon with her 12-year-old son — sent the council a letter on behalf of the Southern Oregon Skateboarding Coalition stating her organization was submitting a grant with the Tony Hawk Foundation for park funding. "It’s good for beginners and for advanced skaters," said Stalarow. Rita Allred of Jack’s Board House of Medford also submitted a letter stating fund-raising efforts are underway — as is a petition drive to help save the park. "We’re having a raffle and a contest," said Allred. "We’re just trying to get it out there that people do care about that park." Volunteer labor brought the park to its current state. But progress had recently dwindled due to workers’ job constraints and increases in material costs, said Wyntergreen. Stalarow said the park is useable in its unfinished state. In fact, she said, that adds to the feel. "We have been skating in that park, unfinished, for six years," she said. But it is a bit of an eyesore, Stalarow admitted. The park has an unfinished wall and there is exposed rebar. That may have contributed to "the mood change" with the city officials, she said. "I understand their concerns about the missed deadlines and the money problems," said Stalarow. "But tearing it down takes money too. And what kind of message does that send to the kids?" The council made no final decision on the park, and its fate will not be an agenda item in upcoming council meetings, said Mayor Jim Lewis. "We didn’t do anything and we haven’t done anything," said Lewis. "It’s tabled — indefinitely." Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Jacksonville puts brakes on plans for skate park ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Advertisement s