Skate park in Jackson officially opens

Jackson's new skate park is just the beginning.

About 100 people attended the official opening of the skate park in Jackson City Park on Saturday. Demonstrations were held at the ramp while a neighboring pavilion offered refreshments and free helmets.

"There's a need in this community for a skate park," Jackson Optimist Club member Steve Sebaugh told the crowd, adding, "We envision this park as a beginning, not an end. We challenge other organizations and skaters to add more pieces and keep this going just like baseball and soccer."

The park was funded by $60,000 the Evening and Noon Optimist clubs and designed with input from skateboarders.

"We're happy to have the skate park in Jackson because if our city doesn't have a skate park, our city is a skate park," said Jackson parks and recreation director Shane West Anderson. "The next concern is what's next? Enjoyment is so high now the question is when and how to add on."

For 26-year-old Lucas Beine, a 1997 Jackson High School graduate and liaison between the Optimists, skaters and Jackson city administration, the park "was something we wanted when we were growing up."

Beine has been skating since the 1990s.

Sebaugh said, "With Beine's help we installed equipment for all levels. When American Ramp Company came and installed the equipment Beine worked with the technicians."

The aim was to create a park to challenge advanced skaters, be used by beginners and stay within cost.

Andy Hente, 26, of Cape Girardeau said he plans on coming to the Jackson park instead of the one in Cape Girardeau.

"Their ramps are too narrow," he said. "Here, our ramps are safer for turning around. Cape ramps are only about 4 feet wide. These are about 18 to 20 feet wide."

Mark Thomas, 13, of Jackson agreed there's a need to be cautious. Up until now he skated in the driveway after getting in trouble with the police. Thomas said, "My parents don't mind me skating as long as I don't get hurt."

Sponsored by Saint Francis Medical Center, about 100 helmets were given away by ThinkFirst, a program that promotes helmet usage.

"The main point is to get people to use their brain to protect their body," said Linda Kaiser, an RN who works in the hospital's emergency room. "Most injuries can be prevented."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133