- LB 388 continues to raise questions about many issues (3/22/24)
- Solution to fast-food inflation as close as the kitchen (3/19/24)
- Protect our community: Vaccinate for measles (3/15/24)
- Better Internet access comes with hazards of its own (3/13/24)
- Don't become a victim of the lates online scams (3/4/24)
- Happy 157th birthday to Nebraska (3/1/24)
- State property taxes are a matter of perspective (2/23/24)
Editorial
Skatepark matter of pride, destination point for recreation
Friday, October 16, 2015
It took a decade or more, but today's dedication of a new skatepark in Kelley Park is something our community can be proud of, especially younger and younger-minded folks.
Although the majority of the $135,000 cost of the project, some $95,000, came from private fund-raisers, in-kind donations and local grants, the city's contribution to the project should pay off in a big way.
The project was designed and built by Dreamland Skateparks, one of the best skatepark builders in the world -- the Oregon firm recently built two parks in Italy and is ready to build one in Israel -- creating one of the best attractions of its type right here in McCook.
Skateboarders don't generally fit the conventional mold, which is probably why a skatepark was built a century or more after football and baseball fields appeared. And, no doubt there were ulterior motives behind some of the support -- keeping skateboarders away from other sites less popular with the non-skating public.
But coupled with the Graff Events Center, a top-flight disc golf course and the McCook municipal pool (the next major project?), the new skatepark will make Kelley Park and McCook itself a summertime destination.
Congratulations to the skatepark supporters who stuck with the project for the long haul, and the dozens of donors, foundations and service clubs who made this project a reality.