Three sites still under consideration; public
forum planned
By darlene diebold
Staff Writer
KEYPORT — The borough will be getting a skate park. The only question is when.
Councilman Brian Stalter said that a five-member subcommittee has been discussing the prospect for some time, and although certain logistics still need to be worked out, the subcommittee has narrowed the search to one location.
"The subcommittee met and looked at different locations around town," Stalter said. "We looked at Theresa Street Park, the vacant lot on the corner of Second Street and Church [Street], and the tennis courts at Cedar Street. We think it would be best if we utilized one of the courts at Cedar Street and left the other as a tennis court. Since it is already paved and fenced, it would reduce the cost of construction drastically. Cedar Street is already a multi-functional park with tennis, basketball, baseball and a beautiful view of New York and the Raritan Bay," he said.
Stalter said that the subcommittee still needs feedback from the Recreation Committee and would like to hold a public forum on the issue after the committee gives its feedback. A date for a hearing has not been set.
"This is a major project that needs a lot of research. We are still working through all of the details," he said.
"The reason we are so persistent in building this park is that the sport of skateboarding has grown significantly in the last few years. Parks are being built in towns all over the country, and if we build baseball fields, football fields, and basketball courts, it is only fair to these athletes that we provide them with a place to participate in their sport. The kids and parents want it and need it. There is a demand for it. The park will also be used for Rollerbladers and bike racing."
Stalter is unsure what the park will cost to construct because he has not received solid estimates in writing, but said, "It is a lot more affordable than people think." He said that a budget will be drawn up for the project. Also, insurance policies need to be taken out and ramps constructed. Costs for those items are not fully known yet.
Stalter said that members of the subcommittee have spoken to many people within the skate park industry and to an avid skater with extensive knowledge of skate parks, who has offered to help them seek fund-raising opportunities, coordinate demonstrations, seek different insurance options, help in the design of the ramps, and find sources for the construction of the ramps.
"It will be a great help to work with someone like [that] since he is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sport," Stalter said.
He has also been in touch with a nonprofit group in California and insurance companies that have given him information and options about policies that are available to the borough.
"The subcommittee will put all of this information together and look at the best way to insure the park," he said.
He said that different ways to fund the park are being looked at.
"When we have a solid proposal in place, we will be able to seek funding from corporate sponsors for the park," he said. "I have had some contact with major corporations, nonprofits, and foundations that are potential candidates for sponsorship. Although it is not guaranteed that we will receive any funding from the sources I mentioned, it is an option we are looking into."
Stalter said he believes the subcommittee has covered a lot in three months and is looking forward to major progress within the year.
He is hoping that the park will be ready by fall, even though he would like to have it in place by summer.
"The youth of Keyport deserve a safe place to participate in this very popular sport, and I, along with the recreation committee and the subcommittee of volunteers, will work diligently to see that it happens," he said.
He does not think the day is far off when there will be organized leagues within the county.
With that in mind, he said, "I would like to see Keyport be ahead of many other towns and have a skate park that people can look to as an example of what can be done when everyone works together."