"We're looking for something that
will enhance the city, but provide a recreational opportunity for the
skaters," said Richard McLeod, city director of planning and economic
development.
Councilman Bob Mueller said he supports the
opening of a skate park in the city, just not downtown.
"I understand a skate park is good and keeps kids
off the streets. I don't have a problem with it. As long as they abide by
the laws and don't tear things up, I'm all for it," Mueller said.
He suggested two possible sites for the park: the
original Woodstock Elementary School and Springfield Park.
Use of the school site is unlikely, as while the
city is allowed to use the field through a partnership agreement with the
Cherokee County school board, construction is not permitted.
Jim Pietrowski of Marietta, who serves on the
board of Heaven Skates, said he's pleased the council agreed to help.
"We're happy it's positive and that they didn't
say no and they see the need for it," he said. "It's for the kids, that's
what it's all about."
Bill Mohler
of Woodstock founded Heaven Skates in 1997 to help attract skateboarding
teenagers to First Baptist Woodstock.
When the ministry eventually outgrew its space
there it moved to Calvary Chapel Christian Fellowship in Alpharetta. When
that church relocated about a year ago, the ministry found itself without a
home.
Mohler said he is willing to work with the city to
find a location.
"We're not in it for the profit. We're in it for
building strong kids," he said.
Skaters would pay a small fee to use the park and
organizers are considering a discount system for kids who earn good grades
at school.
Mohler said the park is needed because children
skate in the streets and don't wear protective helmets or padding.
"Right now kids don't have anywhere to skate," he
said, adding the park would benefit the community. "You get them off the
streets."
Ryan, son of Pame and Jeff Timbs, said he tries to
rollerblade at least once a week at Progressive Skate Park in Canton. He
said having a skate park closer to home would save his parents money and
gas.
"I'll probably get to skate more," Ryan said of
having a skate park closer to his home. "I like getting out there and
skating and having fun with my friends."
