Skate park issue being revisited

Area skateboard enthusiasts are banding together in an effort to get a park built in Emporium.

Skate parks have had a patchy past in Emporium, where they have come and gone for various reasons.

Cameron County High School student Chad Barnhart, one of the supporters, said skateboarding is riding a crest of popularity. Barnhart said about 40 kids make weekend treks to Emporium to skateboard. "Skate parks are big hits now," he added.

A local group is searching for a location. So far members have eyed county-owned land at the South Park playground, a lot near the old railroad grade beside Second and Third streets, and a section near the gazebo on Front Street. They hope to model the park after a 100 ft. by 100 ft. skate park being built in Kersey and plan to investigate grants to help pay for it.

Supporters took their plans to Emporium Borough Council last week and received a warm reception.

This week, they took their campaign to the Cameron County Board of Commissioners.

"Without the first two factors - a site and support - we don't have a park," said Annie Hnath of the Cameron County Probation Department, who supports the project.

Liability coverage and vandalism are two major concerns in the early planning stages. Supporters suggest that signs be posted alerting users that they are skating at their own risk. Barnhart said he's certain the regular users would take responsibility for clean-up and vandalism prevention.

Borough Councilman Max Narby said he is "100 percent in favor" of a skate park. "We will work on getting a location for it," he added.

Commissioner Glen Fiebig also voiced his board's support for the concept after this week's meeting with Hnath, Borough Manager Rob Aversa and supportive Borough Council members Pat Garrigan and LuAnn Reed.