July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Skate park damaged by vandals
Portland Park Board
Unless they clean up their act, local skateboarders may lose their park.
Members of a local board have discussed the possibility of dismantling the skate park at Weiler-Wilson Park after learning about an increase in vandalism.
Doug Blankenbaker, assistant street and park department superintendent, told the Portland Park Board Tuesday night that he has locked up the skate park because the vandalisms have gotten so severe.
After hearing Blankenbaker's report, board member Larry Freyburgher said, "Well, if they don't want it, take it down."
Blankenbaker asked members of the board to think about solutions to the problems - including closing the park - and possibly reach a decision at the board's June 2 meeting.
Blankenbaker said that on Monday, he filled up a 55-gallon trash can with trash from the skate park area which formerly was a tennis court. He also discovered that bolts were missing from the ramps, a picnic table had been torn apart and bodily waste was left underneath one of the ramps.
Someone left bicycle chains, locks and chunks of concrete in the grass near the skate park in an apparent attempt to damage city lawnmowers. There wasn't enough damage to file a claim with the insurance company, street and park department superintendent Jeff Harker said this morning.
Board member Kent McClung asked how much it would cost to install security cameras at the park.
Blankenbaker did not give him a figure, but said security cameras have been installed over the iron truss bridge that connects Weiler-Wilson and Hudson Family parks because of frequent vandalisms.
McClung asked Blankenbaker what he thought should be done about the constant vandalisms at the skate park.
"I'd hate to say it, but I would close it down," Blankenbaker said.
Blankenbaker added that he was one of the people who helped set up the skate park. Jay County Jail inmates and local teen-agers also worked on the installation. The skate park is located near the Portland Pool.
The park for skateboarders, in-line skaters and bicycle riders opened in the summer of 2003. The city paid $30,000 for the equipment.
On Tuesday, Blankenbaker asked park board members to think about a solution for the skate park, and possibly make a decision at the next meeting, which is scheduled for June 2 at 7 p.m.
Also Tuesday, board members:
•Voted to purchase a new lifeguard stand for the pool.
Blankenbaker said all three need to be replaced because of rusting, but he plans to have one replaced per year. One of the stands will be replaced at a cost of $2,021.
•Heard Freyburgher ask if the cost of admission to the pool could be reduced.
Blankenbaker said he didn't think that would be possible because expenses for the pool rise each year.
Board president Neil Medler said the pool's admission prices are similar to those of other pools in the area.[[In-content Ad]]
Members of a local board have discussed the possibility of dismantling the skate park at Weiler-Wilson Park after learning about an increase in vandalism.
Doug Blankenbaker, assistant street and park department superintendent, told the Portland Park Board Tuesday night that he has locked up the skate park because the vandalisms have gotten so severe.
After hearing Blankenbaker's report, board member Larry Freyburgher said, "Well, if they don't want it, take it down."
Blankenbaker asked members of the board to think about solutions to the problems - including closing the park - and possibly reach a decision at the board's June 2 meeting.
Blankenbaker said that on Monday, he filled up a 55-gallon trash can with trash from the skate park area which formerly was a tennis court. He also discovered that bolts were missing from the ramps, a picnic table had been torn apart and bodily waste was left underneath one of the ramps.
Someone left bicycle chains, locks and chunks of concrete in the grass near the skate park in an apparent attempt to damage city lawnmowers. There wasn't enough damage to file a claim with the insurance company, street and park department superintendent Jeff Harker said this morning.
Board member Kent McClung asked how much it would cost to install security cameras at the park.
Blankenbaker did not give him a figure, but said security cameras have been installed over the iron truss bridge that connects Weiler-Wilson and Hudson Family parks because of frequent vandalisms.
McClung asked Blankenbaker what he thought should be done about the constant vandalisms at the skate park.
"I'd hate to say it, but I would close it down," Blankenbaker said.
Blankenbaker added that he was one of the people who helped set up the skate park. Jay County Jail inmates and local teen-agers also worked on the installation. The skate park is located near the Portland Pool.
The park for skateboarders, in-line skaters and bicycle riders opened in the summer of 2003. The city paid $30,000 for the equipment.
On Tuesday, Blankenbaker asked park board members to think about a solution for the skate park, and possibly make a decision at the next meeting, which is scheduled for June 2 at 7 p.m.
Also Tuesday, board members:
•Voted to purchase a new lifeguard stand for the pool.
Blankenbaker said all three need to be replaced because of rusting, but he plans to have one replaced per year. One of the stands will be replaced at a cost of $2,021.
•Heard Freyburgher ask if the cost of admission to the pool could be reduced.
Blankenbaker said he didn't think that would be possible because expenses for the pool rise each year.
Board president Neil Medler said the pool's admission prices are similar to those of other pools in the area.[[In-content Ad]]
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