skateboard park good idea or bad

[KIGuy52]

Is that the skateboard park they want $150k to build? Maybe we can get it included in Obama's stimulus package. Heck, why not? They're funding everything else. Our children deserve a piece of the pork.

[billy]

I talked to some of the people involved and this is a very limited skate park. A ruritan told me it had to be made out of concrete due to litigation concerns. Overall the kids will use it. This limited concept should gauge how much interest their is at first. I am betting kids from southern VB will be here too. If you want to see what Currituck offers you should check out the one on Corolla adn on the mainland. I may buy another skateboard. I ain't too old yet...I think.

[KIGuy52]

Where are they building it, at the park?

[shady]

Yes the skateboard facility WILL be located along the southern fence line between the old stage and the big fence gate. One meeting was held at the Ruritan building with Jason Weeks director of parks and rec. and the contractor and,all the kids on the island that were interested and adults. I was not there but understand it was a good turn-out. It will be governed by the county ordinance on skateboard parks, which you can look up on line. The Ruritans have contributed some funding already that was set aside from the profits from last years Peach Festival which did not have a good turn-out, another subject sorry. There is going to be another meeting some time in March, the contractor took the young folks ideas back with him for modifications.

[shady]

Yes it is concrete, that is what makes it so expensive. Look up the rules under county ordinances.

[billy]

Just FYI, the contractor is excellent. Friends of mine who are very good skaters(yes we are older) told me to make sure he was on the job. I called him and he said he already had it. I will post the link later when I find it. AThe guy is good.

Anyone have any ideas on how to raise more money?

It's not a bad idea considering how far other sports are for the kids. I know skating seems odd to some people but it teaches some very strong fundamentals in my opinion. When I was a kid there was a ramp at nearly every rec center at the beach. Most everyone involved back then turned out to be pretty solid adults.

[shady]

Here an old idea, it's called community service. The contractor made the statement that the more the community was involved the less the cost. He sited such things as getting donated sand and fill dirt, labor, concrete re-bar, tractors or other equipment, housing for his out of town crew, forming lumber. These are just a few things he mentioned. We will make sure the word is posted well in advance of the next meeting with the contractor. This would be a great time for the youth to really shine by jumping in with some of the labor, actually it should be the community of Knotts Island. For every dollar saved thats one less tax dollar spent. About raising money, every time you shop at Knotts Island Market at the check-out you will notice a blue box. Drop your change in that it is going straight to help pay for the skateboard park, there is also one at Bay Villa's bar. One of you regulars get Paul to have a pool tornament fundraiser. I would hate to come down there and take first place so I could give the winning up.

[billy]

I have another idea that is worth trying as well. Sponsorship if available will be helpful. We know who t ocall. Jsut need the ok to do so. I am waiting to hear back from the guy who e-mailed me the plans. Was that you shady? FYI, we sent them 2 pros to review. Already made some observations last night, or suggestions I should say. We all know who to ask for sand and fill dirt. I will be the first one pushing a wheel barrow or toting lumber. I don't know what children could do on a large scale concrete job though.

[KIGuy52]

FYI. There's a concrete contractor that lives on the island. As an added bonus, he has a ton of kids and relatives on the island that he and his wife can "volunteer".

[billy]

This 38 year old just got a new skateboard. I'm ready. Shady, my friend is willing to add the location a contest schedule but there has to be vert(ramp). You cannot make a ramp out of concrete. Not safely for kids anyhow. Do you think the county would allow it under any circumstance to be made of Skatelite? I personally will solicit certain companies for money to build it. The guy I sent it to is an ex-pro who designed Trashmore's ramp.

[billy]

Shady, never heard from anyone. Ron did call but I was out of the state. Are they using the new plans w/ the quarter pipes? It was far superior to the prior plans. I am curious thoug, if the money is a nequal split between the two parks, why does Moyock get a bowl and not KI? Why no vert? Seems odd to me. Either way, if they are sticking w/ the new plans it should be fun. Knotthead: am I able to post these plans on here?

[shady]

go to the newspaper Daily Advance website there is a huge article on the TWO new skateboard parks to be built in Currituck.
I have not heard about a date to meet again but I will keep you updated. Don't forget Chicken and Dumplings ,Bay Villa Friday night, I'll be there so we can meet .

[billy]

I read it yesterday. However, the quotes from Andy Duck do not match the plans he sent to me. I can send them to you. The new plans are far better than the old ones as they as least include quarter pipes throughout. He said the meeting is on Monday, March 2nd at 7PM. However I will nto be there or at 'chicken and dumplings' because I will be out of town. I had a last minute change I could not alter.

My biggest concerns going forward are:

1) If the money is equal for each side of the water; then why are we getting less? Moyock is getting vert in the form of a bowl. Plus they are receiving 5000' when we are getting 4000'.

Why?

The vert is important in the long term. It will have an effect onthe developement of skaters and attraction of ramps. Why not make the parks similiar?

2) At the very least, get the current set of plans that INCLUDES the quarter pipes.

3) Be sure we have space for the pool to add later.

4) Perhaps local contractors could assist in funding by helping dig?

In conclusion, this makes no sense. I have not seen the plans from across the water but I hear it is stellar what is being planned there. The same people when shown KI yawn a bit. In fact it is suggested it is aimed at small children such as my daughter. It seems like it would be better to just duplicate Moyock. Again, at the very least do not let those quarter pipes go.

I will send those plans to you now.

[billy]

Here is a quote on Curritucks website about the current Maple Park:

"Clean lines and deep bowls are the main themes driving this superior arena. Genuine pool coping gives riders the edge they've been dreaming of. "

Bowls/vert matter. Period.

There has to be a reason why this is being excluded. What is it?

[billy]

Answered most of the questions today w/ Jason Weeks and Andy.

1)The lack of vert was a result of requests at a public hearing. The kids will likely bounce back and forth w/ their preferences.

2) The bowl can be built after the fact. Cost will between 30-40K.

3) A large part of the cost/size difference is that the contractor, as well as local residents are donating a large part of the materials and labor to complete the pool. Plus the concrete is cheaper there. We have brought nothing comparable to the table so far. Has anyone talked to digging experts like BB? This is kinda' a small thing for them. I hear he has been willing to listen and help out KI in the past. i am willing to help physically. Also, I will approach possible sponsors. Weeks said that 'may' be allowable. I can't do anything by Monday though. But whe n ireturn I will knock on every door.

4) Andy Duck is working off of the new plans I sent out. I agree that based on that set of plans it is a great place to start. We can try to add vert in a second phase. That allows time to funds. Even if we only get half, that may get the attention of the county.

What happened w/ the helicopter pad?