Cape Girardeau dad pushes for new skate park

If Chris Hutson's plans become a reality, an empty corner in Arena Park soon will become a haven for skateboard, Rollerblade and BMX enthusiasts.

As the father of children who enjoy skateboarding -- and a skateboarder himself -- Hutson has noticed the number of children and teens turning their wheels to sidewalks and empty parking lots.

"We need a place for these kids to go," he said.

It's a goal he's worked toward for more than five years. Since the fair board allowed the use of land at the corner of Hawthorne Road and East Rodney Drive for the park, Hutson said he's overcome one of his biggest hurdles.

His second challenge was getting approval from the Cape Girardeau City Council. At the council's last meeting, the idea of a skate park was well received, with Mayor Harry Rediger calling it a potential new draw to the city.

Missouri Park, a few blocks north of downtown, has some small skateboarding ramps on a former tennis court, but Hutson said the equipment is old and provides little challenge or interest for skaters with even the most basic skills. Because of this, most skaters opt instead to travel to Perryville, Missouri, or other nearby towns with skate parks.

Hutson said it's wonderful to see his project come so far, but his work is not yet complete. While the city council gave vocal support for the project, it made no mention of financial support. As Hutson goes out into the community to spread awareness about the park, he said he hopes to catch the interest of businesses, organizations and individuals.

Donations of any size could make a difference, he said, and even members of the public could contribute to the park.

"If anyone donates money to the city for a park, they can designate where it goes," he said.

Anyone who makes a financial contribution to the park can be assured they're getting the most for their money, he added. The cost for the project is about $300,000. The total includes equipment, labor, shipping and costs required to bring people from American Ramp Co., the project designers, out to oversee assembly and answer questions about proper maintenance.

Hutson said the obstacles will be made of concrete, which is a more affordable and ideal material for a skate park. It makes for a smoother ride and provides better traction than metal obstacles like those in Missouri Park. It's much easier for wheels to slip on a wet metal ramp than a concrete one, he pointed out.

Under the current design, the new park will feature ramps and more recently popular "street courses" such as stairs and grind rails, as well as nearby seating for parents. Hutson said the park will be flexible enough to allow for adjustments and additions in the future, depending on use. And he expects the park will see plenty of use.

Skateboarding is a sport, one that has grown rapidly, he said. The growth of the X Games -- the competition that features nontraditional sports such as skateboarding, motocross and BMX -- is proof skating has found its place in society.

"It's not a ball sport," Hutson said. "It hasn't been around as long, but the popularity is huge."

Like any sport, it has associated risks. Just as users are encouraged to don helmets when playing on a baseball field, he said the use of helmets and safety pads would be promoted at the skate park via signs.

"We can't make people wear them, but we will be big proponents of safety equipment to make the park fun and safe," Hutson said.

He plans to keep working on the project with the city's parks and recreation department, which has been a longtime supporter of the skate park. While it would be ideal to have the park open by next summer, Hutson said he's experienced enough setbacks in the past to know not to get his hopes up just yet.

"We just have to keep pushing until we get it done," he said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Hawthorne Road and East Rodney Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.