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GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Glenwood Springs Middle School seventh-grader Jake Edwards never had attended a City Council meeting before Thursday night.
But it wasn't hard for him and more than 60 other youths to show up in support of a push to get a new skateboard park built in town.
"For the skate park it was pretty easy," Edwards said as he waited for the meeting to begin.
Although council chambers was standing room only, Edwards said he thought even more kids would show up in support of the park.
"Everyone just wants it because it would be so much better than the one we have right now," Edwards said.
That was the point Yampah Mountain High School sophomore Jono Moreau made to council after discreetly asking his fellow skateboarders, many clad in black, to remove their baseball caps during the meeting.
Moreau is leading a push by youths for the park. He showed council photos of the elaborate concrete facilities in several nearby communities. Then he continued, "These are some photos of Glenwood's existing park."
His peers burst out in laughter at the first image, an overview of the park.
"To be honest, it's pretty pathetic," he said.
Besides being small and offering few features, the park has problems such as loose screws, loose sheet metal and other safety problems, he told council.
Moreau outlined the kids' vision for one major new park or several smaller ones in town. A city parks plan envisions a $500,000 skateboard park. However, the city currently has no funds to pay for it.
"We understand that this is a big chunk of change and we are starting to look into funding possibilities," Moreau said.
He outlined potential funding sources that include Great Outdoors Colorado, the state Department of Local Affairs, oil and gas companies and local sources.
At Moreau's request, council agreed to write a letter to the 2 Rivers Community Foundation in support of having the foundation hold money raised for a park.
Council members praised the youths for their efforts.
"It's nice to see a lot of kids here tonight," said council member Joe O'Donnell, who has been advising the youths on the project.
Said Mayor Bruce Christensen, "I think all of us are very impressed with the work that you guys are willing to do."
He said the city has been willing to provide matching funds for similar fund-raising efforts.
However, he reacted cautiously when asked about the possibility of seeking a tax increase for the skateboard facility and other city park and recreation needs, as is suggested in the city parks plan.
"I think a park and recreation tax is a very different issue that would involve a community effort and probably some time," Christensen said.
Glenwood resident Jeff Hulslander, 23, wowed council by showing a video clip of skateboarders' stunts, which made the prospect of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars look almost easy by comparison. The presentation opened the door for Doug Harr, also of Glenwood, to support a new park as a parent of a skateboarder.
"These guys, in order to be able to do these tricks, are not drunk and high," he told council.
He added that a park "is not just for skaters. It's a place to go to watch kids, to get to know the kids in our community."
Christensen said it will take patience to get money raised and a new park built, but added, "I think it's a great idea and everybody else on council does."
In the meantime, the city is planning to replace a worn-out halfpipe at the existing park. Carbondale resident Keith Taylor encouraged the city to replace it with a concrete rather than wood one for durability purposes.
Bruce Monroe, the city's acting parks and recreation director, said the city is looking seriously at doing just that.
Contact Dennis Webb: 384-9119
dwebb@postindependent.com
But it wasn't hard for him and more than 60 other youths to show up in support of a push to get a new skateboard park built in town.
"For the skate park it was pretty easy," Edwards said as he waited for the meeting to begin.
Although council chambers was standing room only, Edwards said he thought even more kids would show up in support of the park.
"Everyone just wants it because it would be so much better than the one we have right now," Edwards said.
That was the point Yampah Mountain High School sophomore Jono Moreau made to council after discreetly asking his fellow skateboarders, many clad in black, to remove their baseball caps during the meeting.
Moreau is leading a push by youths for the park. He showed council photos of the elaborate concrete facilities in several nearby communities. Then he continued, "These are some photos of Glenwood's existing park."
His peers burst out in laughter at the first image, an overview of the park.
"To be honest, it's pretty pathetic," he said.
Besides being small and offering few features, the park has problems such as loose screws, loose sheet metal and other safety problems, he told council.
Moreau outlined the kids' vision for one major new park or several smaller ones in town. A city parks plan envisions a $500,000 skateboard park. However, the city currently has no funds to pay for it.
"We understand that this is a big chunk of change and we are starting to look into funding possibilities," Moreau said.
He outlined potential funding sources that include Great Outdoors Colorado, the state Department of Local Affairs, oil and gas companies and local sources.
At Moreau's request, council agreed to write a letter to the 2 Rivers Community Foundation in support of having the foundation hold money raised for a park.
Council members praised the youths for their efforts.
"It's nice to see a lot of kids here tonight," said council member Joe O'Donnell, who has been advising the youths on the project.
Said Mayor Bruce Christensen, "I think all of us are very impressed with the work that you guys are willing to do."
He said the city has been willing to provide matching funds for similar fund-raising efforts.
However, he reacted cautiously when asked about the possibility of seeking a tax increase for the skateboard facility and other city park and recreation needs, as is suggested in the city parks plan.
"I think a park and recreation tax is a very different issue that would involve a community effort and probably some time," Christensen said.
Glenwood resident Jeff Hulslander, 23, wowed council by showing a video clip of skateboarders' stunts, which made the prospect of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars look almost easy by comparison. The presentation opened the door for Doug Harr, also of Glenwood, to support a new park as a parent of a skateboarder.
"These guys, in order to be able to do these tricks, are not drunk and high," he told council.
He added that a park "is not just for skaters. It's a place to go to watch kids, to get to know the kids in our community."
Christensen said it will take patience to get money raised and a new park built, but added, "I think it's a great idea and everybody else on council does."
In the meantime, the city is planning to replace a worn-out halfpipe at the existing park. Carbondale resident Keith Taylor encouraged the city to replace it with a concrete rather than wood one for durability purposes.
Bruce Monroe, the city's acting parks and recreation director, said the city is looking seriously at doing just that.
Contact Dennis Webb: 384-9119
dwebb@postindependent.com
