×

Community support needed for skate park work

The skate plaza in the city of Marquette, located at the corner of Pine Street and Fair Avenue, has been up and running for one year, allowing youth in the area to hone their skateboard, scooter and biking skills without having to worry about where they can practice.

The park was created solely through a massive fundraising effort, led by the Marquette Area Skate Plaza Committee, which raised more than $200,000 to make the park a reality.

But, as with any large undertaking, some kinks still need to be worked out.

Erosion has taken place on the mounds in the park, a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

The park also needs benches so tired kids or curious spectators can take a seat. The benches would also be skate-able.

Thirdly, signs recognizing donors who helped make the park possible need to be erected.

Nheena Weyer Ittner, who is coordinating the current fundraising campaign for the skate park, said the park is also looking to add a skate-able piece of art that would be designed by the kids who use the park.

All of these things add up to thousands in additional costs.

So, Ittner is hoping to utilize crowd-funding as a way to raise $10,000. And in a creative twist, the Michigan Department of Economic Development has pledged an additional $10,00 match, should the first $10,000 goal be met.

The deadline for donations is Sept. 27. They can be sent online via the crowd-funding web site www.patronicity.skate-park or sent to the Marqeutte County CommuMarquettedation.

We hope people will donate to this worthy cause. The skate park is a wonderful addition to the Marquette community, offering kids a place to share their passion for a sport without having to be worried about being ticketed by police or shooed along by business or homeowners.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today