Skatepark Update

Since this past June, skaters have met with key players in the planning of a future skatepark in Celina. We've met local concrete contractor Matt Schwieterman who has been involved in the development of 3 skateparks - DC Skate Plaza, in Kettering being the most famous. We've also met with two Celina City officials who are working hard for us. Kent Bryan is the Community Developer here in Celina, and Jeremy Hinton is an engineer. We've met with one or both of them on 3 or 4 occasions just since August. Jeremy and Matt have also met, blending their knowledge and expertise.

At our last meeting Jeremy said that we would brainstorm one last time. He and his student helper are now drawing up a skatepark design based on the input of several of our local skaters. Everybody at the meeting seemed happy with the rough drafts and we're excited to see the professional renderings. Jeremy is running things through his professional CAD program and plans to have computer drawings finished in December. He will then provide 3-D renderings that we can post on our website.

Once we have these drawings in hand, we need to go full speed with community, club and corporate presentations to raise the rest of the money. The way I see it, momentum is building and we must push for a skatepark like never before. I have been told by at least three city officials that they realize now that we are not going away and something has to be done. This is the direct result of efforts by skaters, families and friends over the last 15 years or so!

We've raised just over $16,000. The city realizes that is a serious amount of money sitting in the Mercer County Civic Foundation that MUST be spent for a skatepark. Recently they have suggested that the park be built next to the Bryson Pool. Most of us like the idea, but it's not a done deal yet. More money needs to be raised and the City Council needs to be won over.

Spread the good word. Skate respectfully and work to win the trust of the city. We especially need to win local business owners who've been vandalized over the years. I know it's not always skaters but it's has been enough in the past that it's given skaters a rep. And we must also show our local police officers respect. They will talk about you as positively as you treat them. We need all of our city on our side.

Keep up the good work. More trust, less trouble - that needs to be our motto.

See you at the next Skate Day!
Keith

Pro-Skateboard Team will perform at the August 2nd Skate Day:

Traveling all the way from Joplin, Missouri, a team of 2-3 Professional Skateboarders from Untitled Skateboards will put on a demonstration around 1:00 pm at the August 2^nd Skate Day at the Celina First Church of God on Fairground Road. They are bringing their own equipment to join you for our August 2^nd Skate Day. Don’t know anything about Untitled? Check ‘em out at www.untitledskateboards.com. Does the name Jud Heald ring a bell? I can’t promise he will actually be there but he is on one of Untitled’s two teams and might show up!

Skate Day is from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm. $5.00 for skaters, spectators pay $2.00 to watch. All skaters must have a parent-signed waiver on file. SPREAD THE WORD. BRING EVERYBODY! Not only will this be a great time, but also we hope to raise a bunch of money for your new skatepark - coming soon!

ALSO: WE NEED HELP WITH THE TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF RAMPS AND BOXES. If your families can help with trucks and/or trailers to transport things to and from skate day, and if you can store things after skate day, then CALL KEITH ASAP to volunteer your help.

Skate Day March 8th

12:00 - 6:00 inside the old Celina Wal-Mart.

$5 to get in. Must have a parent-signed waiver to skate.
ALL PROCEEDS GO TOWARD THE FUTURE SKATEPARK!

Got ideas? Blog them here.

A Great Day!!

What a day! We were averaging between 120 and 150 people for half the time. The bands were awesome. I got a little worried about the mosh pit activities. It looked more dangerous than skateboarding. YOU RAISED $900 FOR MARIA DONOVAN! This last year has been a lot of fun. Many people and area businesses have donated time and money to Skatepark. It's a great idea to give back once in a while.