By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Skateboarders in Decatur aren’t being forgotten as the city continues to propose and complete projects to enhance quality of life.
Admitting that he would like to get them off sidewalks and other areas downtown and elsewhere, Mayor Dan Rickord got together with some of the skateboarding enthusiasts.
Finding them to be an enjoyable bunch, the mayor wants to bring a major upgrade to the skate park at the North Ward Park near the city swimming pool.
“I really enjoyed working with them,” Rickord said at city council’s recent meeting. “Their attitude really changed once they realized we wanted to work with them.”
The mayor and Building/Zoning Superintendent Curt Witte have had met with a group of young people on more than one occasion.
So, Rickord said, he would like to use some of the city’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds to bring about a major upgrade to the skate park.
It’s already received a new coat of asphalt.
“I’m looking to ask for (council to approve) around $60,000 for the skateboard park and to button up some other projects,” Rickord told council.
As far as the location, “the kids say they like it there, they would just like to have it fixed up,” he noted.
