JACKSON — For the last 18 months, skateboard aficionados in Jackson have had to keep away from the one public space in town that was designed specifically for their hobby.
The closing of the Jackson Skate Park at the Jackson Justice Complex in April 2011 because of safety concerns meant no kickflips, no nosegrinds and no ollies for the foreseeable future.
On Aug. 9, municipal officials announced that renovations at the skate park were complete and that the facility is now safe for public use.
“It’s a long time coming and I am ecstatic it has finally reopened,” Mayor Michael Reina said.
The skate park is expected to be open all week from 7:30 a.m. to dusk.
Director of Public Works Fred Rasiewicz said graffiti was removed from the skate park and safety improvements were made.
“All of the items that were supposed to be worked on were repaired, so we were able to open the park again. It’s been long overdue,” Rasiewicz said.
He said officials hired T&M Construction and Repair for the renovation job. The renovations were paid for with a 2009 Community Development Block Grant.
“The whole idea of a recreation area is to have good, clean, safe fun and that is what we try to accomplish,” Reina said. “Unfortunately, we can’t get things done as quickly in the public sector as we probably could in the private sector. There are rules and regulations we have to follow.”
Outstanding issues with the company that was hired to construct the skate park had to be resolved and finally were, according to the mayor.
“The skate park had some deficiencies and workmanship issues that needed to be addressed,” Reina said. “The last thing we need is a child on a swing or at the skate park to fall and hurt themselves. We just wanted to make sure that when something opens, it is safe and fun for our children.”
Rasiewicz said he hopes the previous problems with vandalism at the skate park will not recur. He said the teenagers who use the facility should be more proactive in keeping it open.
“We expect the people using the skate park to help us. It’s a difficult thing for the police to keep an eye on because they can’t stay out there 24/7,” Rasiewicz said.
Reina said, “I feel very confident that the young adults using the skate park will take ownership of the park. Hopefully they take note of what’s going on and can report any incidents to the police so we can prosecute (people who seek to damage the facility) to the fullest extent of the law.”
BMX (bicycle) activities are not permitted at the skate park. All skaters must wear safety gear and skaters under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
Municipal officials recently announced that other parks around Jackson will be improved by using a 2012 Community Development Block Grant of $158,000.
The improvements include:
The construction of a new handicapped accessible playground in the Justice Complex that is closer to the restrooms and features a double-ramped playground with a rubber base.
Enhancements at other parks that will bring those facilities into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
A volleyball court in the Justice Complex.
“Recreation keeps kids off the streets and it’s healthy for them. The more we can provide for our residents, the less chances we have of our children running astray,” Reina said. “The ultimate goal is to provide a healthy and sound environment for the kids.”