Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Voices of opposition to the effort to build a skate park in Palouse appear to be growing.
In particular, the subject of building the facility at Hayton Greene Park encountered a crowd of questions and criticism at the Sept. 10 city council meeting.
The Palouse City Council July 9 voted 4-2 to give skate park organizer Aaron Flansburg preliminary approval for the Hayton Greene Park site next to the parking lot, between the pool walkway and playground area, with several contingencies. These included the presentation of an artist’s rendering of what the skate park would look like, proof of the group’s funding and approval by the city’s insurance carrier.
Flansburg indicated in July that 56 volunteers have been working on the effort to build a Palouse skate park, and had raised $5,900 to that point.
Flansburg came in with architectural sketches to review Sept. 10. At the same time, about a dozen residents arrived to give comments.
Flansburg showed the drawings, which depicted some details about what would be a roughly 4,000 square foot park.
Questions and comments included concerns about visual impact to Hayton Greene Park’s aesthetics, how much it would be used, and monetary impact to the town which has already made cuts to city services in recent years.
Palouse Mayor Michael Echanove told the Gazette Sept. 24 he believes most of the criticism involved the proposed site.
“The issue is not the skate park; it’s the placement of the park,” he said.
“We’re still exploring site options,” Flansburg told the Gazette. “We hope to move forward and have a site selected and agreed upon by the end of the year.”
At the Sept. 10 city council meeting, Palouse Public Works Superintendent Dwayne Griffin noted sewer, water and gas lines run under the proposed site in Hayton Greene Park.
Palouse resident Mary Estes questioned whether enough people will use a skate park. She said that the town went through this process 30 years ago to build a tennis court which is under used. She then questioned why the town would give up green space in the park and asked Flansburg about intended hours of operation.
Flansburg said that would be up to the city, but his intent is for daylight use because the skate park would not have direct lighting.
Resident Jens Hegg pointed himself out as one of three local skateboarders present at the meeting, indicating interest in the project.
Scott Beeson said the proposed park location is one of the most used in Hayton Greene Park, right next to the swingsets and swimming pool. He said he was not against the project but doesn’t think it should be at the city park. He suggested the other side of Main Street, across from the park and below the sewer plant as a possible option.
Councilwoman Alison Webb asked how the city can add another park when employees have taken pay cuts, and city services are being reduced.
Public Works Assistant Marc Arrasmith commented that the drawings showed that the skate park would be too big with too much concrete between the pool and the playground equipment.
Robin Rilette said she opposed the location and asked about the spot between the pool and the river.
Police Chief Jerry Neumann said that site would not work because of low visibility in that section of the park.
Another point brought up was that the skate park would need fencing. Flansburg said he will factor in fencing into his budget, and said he wants to raise a total of $20,000. He reiterated that Idaho Beverage has committed $2,000 toward the project with signs acknowledging the donation.
Kelly Dow, who has circulated a petition opposing the park site, said she believes adding a skate park would inevitably add to city expenses. She noted recent town budget cuts for lighting and a police officer. She said she felt that the park is now open to everyone and that a skate park appeals to a small minority.
Dow noted Pullman and Moscow skate parks are not located in their main parks.
She asked the city council if having a skate park could be voted on by the public.
Comments by the council suggested a survey would cost $400.
Councilwoman Webb made a motion to spend the money and have a survey determine the public opinion. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Flansburg then spoke a little about cost, saying that Pullman’s one skate park expense has been garbage collection.
Councilwoman Connie Newman then concluded the discussion by suggesting that Flansburg continue working with public works and the parks committee, specifically locating utilities. She said she would also like to see measurements and dimensions written into the drawings and to be sure the comments from public works, the police department and Councilwoman Estes are addressed.
She suggested a Powerpoint presentation.
“Aaron knows the concerns folks have and he’ll have to address them,” Echanove said.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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