By Scott Harvey
Commerce – By a 4-1 vote, the Commerce City Council approved a resolution of support for the construction of a Skate Park at Centennial Park. Council on Tuesday also voted in favor of a $5,000 match.
Since being formed, the group has received nearly 800 signatures in support of the park. The idea is to build an 8,000-10,000 square foot all-cement skate park that would accommodate not only skateboarders but rollerbladers, BMX bikes, and the like. Total cost for such a venue is estimated at $200,000, with hopes of obtaining a majority of those funds through grants. The group is the process of finalizing their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, which will aid in the grant process.
It is the hope of the group that the park will bring visitors to City and, in turn, provide an economic boost.
During Tuesday's meeting, Councilman Tony Henry provided a "quick-fix" solution to the group, noting he had been in talks with a man in Dallas who owed a private all-steel Skate Park, valued at $40,000, to which he'd sell to the City for $5,000. An additional $5,000 would be needed to disassemble and then reassemble the equipment, which would be built on a slab poured by the City. Henry said the size of the park would be about that of a basketball court. It could have been up and running by as early as February, according to Henry.
But Barbara Lenington, leading the charge for the all-cement Skate Park, expressed concern over an all-steel park. She said the kids would rather wait for a bigger and safer facility that requires less maintenance.
Tuesday's vote was both for the resolution of support and the $5,000 match. Councilman Henry, who voted against the measure, said he supports the Skate Park, but was not in favor of the matching funds.