Idea for skateboard park makes some tracks

Some of the major obstacles have been overcome, but there still is plenty of work to be done before wheels are spinning at a new park in Cape Girardeau designed for skateboarding, rollerblading and BMX enthusiasts.

Chris Hutson, a local father and skateboarder, has worked for about five years to create a place where children and teens can skate or bike, instead of turning to streets and parking lots.

A few metal skateboarding ramps exist on a former tennis court at Missouri Park, a few blocks north of downtown, but Hutson recognizes the old equipment offers little challenge or interest for most skaters. It also is easier for wheels to slip on the metal ramps, compared to the concrete obstacles planned for the new park.

One of the biggest wins for the new park came last year when the SEMO District Fair Board offered use of the land at the corner of Hawthorne Road and East Rodney Drive in Arena Park.

The city's Parks and Recreation Department has been involved in recent efforts to make the park happen, working with Hutson on some of the necessary planning. American Ramp Co. is the project designer.

In the past year, Hutson said he's worked with city staff to complete environmental studies and other engineering tasks to ensure the design of the park sits properly on the land in regard to issues such as watershed.

"We've done all the due diligence as far as the plans, the land, the engineering -- we got over all those hurdles. Now it's just funding," he said, "which is wonderful; it's great that it's come this far."

Hutson has been speaking with private entities about donating to the park and said he's had some success. Individuals also can make donations to the park through the city.

Monetary donations, as well as materials and labor, still are being sought. The entire project cost is $300,000, including planning and construction costs.

"I'd like to get $100,000 [raised] by this year, and I'm well on my way," he said.

The new park is included in the city's 2015-2020 Capital Improvements Program, which still is in its draft form, but is included in the contingent, or unfunded, portion.

Parks and recreation director Julia Thompson spoke about the program on Hutson's behalf at a March 2 council meeting, asking the council to consider allocating funds to the park in the future. While the majority of the money would be donated, an investment by the city could encourage others to take the same action.

Hutson said the park could provide a much-needed service to the city by offering attractions catered to older children and teens.

"We've got a wonderful, great parks system in this town; however, there is a void in the 'double digits,' as I call them," he said, referring to children between the ages of 10 and 15. "... They're too old for swing sets. They want to do something a little more challenging, and we want to offer that."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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