Ann Arbor Skatepark project will move forward with $300K state grant
Supporters of the Ann Arbor Skatepark initiative have good reason to rejoice today, as it now looks like the project will move forward.
The nonprofit Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark announced it has received a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for the construction of a permanent skate park amenity at Veterans Memorial Park on the city's west side.
The $300,000 state grant, combined with more than $100,000 in donations raised from private contributors, gives the group all the matching funds it needs to unlock a $400,000 challenge grant from the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.
"This is a big deal," said City Council Member Carsten Hohnke, D-5th Ward, who called today's grant announcement a "big win" for the city of Ann Arbor.
The city helped the group apply for the grant.
The concept for the Ann Arbor Skatepark.
Rosencrans said the effort faced a Jan. 1 deadline for both the county matching funds and the donation of the land for the facility by the city of Ann Arbor. Having met the requirements for both commitments, he said, the project is now sure to be constructed.
"We are truly grateful to our donors and government partners for making this project a reality," he said. "This is a great day for the residents of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County who will receive a first-class recreational amenity thanks to a community-wide collaboration that has touched all levels of participation."
The idea for an Ann Arbor skate park has been around since at least 2005, but the group struggled to raise the $1.1 million needed for the project.
In addition to funds for construction, the group has been raising money for future maintenance costs. Rosencrans said the group now has enough to cover two years of maintenance, and private donations will continue to be sought for the maintenance endowment.
Donation opportunities are available through the purchase of skate park merchandise, personalized engraved bricks to be installed at the park, bake sales, special events and direct donations, which can be made at www.a2skatepark.org.
Hohnke said he'e been working with the skate park group and Kirk Profit, the city's lobbyist in Lansing, to win state funding for the project.
Carsten Hohnke
Hohnke called the timing "brilliant" and said he'd be surprised if the project didn't break ground sometime in 2012.
"It's going to be such a big benefit for not only the city, but the county as a whole, to bring a world-class skate park to the west side of Ann Arbor," he said, estimating the skate park will attract visitors from hundreds of miles away.
He noted the city, which donated the land for the project, will own the skate park. He said that's about a $1 million asset for the city, and it started with positive energy from people in the community who realized the need for such an amenity.
"It's just a really cool example of folks in the community kind of taking hold of their community and really effecting positive change," he said.
It remains up in the air whether the city will directly contribute any money toward the effort, but Hohnke said he thinks the city should be a financial partner.
He noted the city used to budget money several years ago to provide maintenance for a small skating amenity, including ramps, at Buhr Park, but that no longer exists.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Robert Lewis
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
WooHoo!!! Glad to see it. As someone who grew up in Ann Arbor it is nice to see this finally happen.
Blue Eyes
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 8:50 p.m.
Totally irresponsible to add more park amenities when we can't pay for what we already have.
Bruce 'Rudy' Phillips
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:32 a.m.
Get with modern society, ole' Blue Eyes. Things change; people change. Kids are not playing basketball like they used to; they're skateboarding. Adapt or get runover!
Doug Jones
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
An note to people who have never skateboarded: A riding a board at a skatepark is like a trip to Cedar Point, except that you get to design and control the roller-coasters. It takes the competitive drive of the home team in the heat of a championship game, except that everyone is on the same side. It's like unabashedly singing along to your favorite song in alone your car, except you're in a chorus and everyone sounds great. It's like seeing Star Wars for the first time, except that you really are Han Solo. You're the captain of your own ship on a great adventure. Not to mention the heightened feeling of being in touch with you're own body and the connection to you're surroundings that is so intense while riding. ~Doug
Trevor Staples
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
Big ups to the Washtenaw County community for helping make this happen. This is what happens when many people pull together with a common vision. There's still a lot of work to do, but we can take a minute to take a deep breath, smile, and know we did good. Tomorrow it's back to work to finish this thing! Here's how to help out and keep up to date: twitter.com/a2skatepark a2skatepark.org facebook.com/a2skatepark info@a2skatepark.org
Alan Goldsmith
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.
"Hohnke said he'e been working with the skate park group and Kirk Profit, the city's lobbyist in Lansing, to win state funding for the project." Congrats on the funding. What do we pay Kirk Profit's group again? And shouldn't our...eh, elected officials like say, Rebecca Warren be doing this sort of work and not just a (albeit, successful) hired hand? Maybe too busy doing lunch? Lol.
kittybkahn
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 5:41 a.m.
This is such wonderful news!! Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to bring this about.
Tex Treeder
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:58 a.m.
This seems like a huge amount of money to be spent on a project like this, and I'm glad to see the city contributed only land rather than money. On the other hand, I hope this will give skateboarders a place where they can do whatever tricks they want, and will deter them from doing grinds and slides along various surfaces around town, damaging marblework and necessitating anti-skateboard devices being attached here and there.
Newsgal
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:49 a.m.
Yea! This tax paying ann arbor resident and mother of two could not be happier! Congrats!
Seasoned Cit
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:46 a.m.
This is great... How about commissioning some of the graffiti artists who have decorated the Michigan Theater Ally to do some decorating at the Skate park... Would be a good use of some of the Public Art funds .
RT
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.
Congrats and thanks for the hard work A2 skatepark crew. I will travel more than 1500 miles to be at the Grand Opening. People are going to be suprised at how many people will use this facility.
EyeHeartA2
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.
I would rather we spend our park money on this than filling the pockets of some farmer in Webster township.
Gloriagirl
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:06 a.m.
A sad day in the county, just a few weeks ago commissioners voted to cut the budget of the humane society of Huron valley by $250,000. I know there are many owners who have given up their pets because they do not have the financial resources, many more will not have enough groceries until the next check, more will have to move from a home to rentals, yet the county can justify this expense with matching funds. Morally bankrupt! Where are the priorities that reflect the people who voted these commissioners in?
Dug Song
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.
It was indeed sad to see the Humane Society funding cut, but this has nothing to do with the skatepark grant, which came out of dedicated Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation funds. Diana Kern, who has been Treasurer for the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark for 4 years, has also been the Board Secretary for the Humane Society of Huron Valley for 8 years. As bad as things are, Michigan is not a zero-sum environment - progress in one area is not always to the detriment of another.
Robbo
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
This is great!!! Have you seen those skaters? They are amazing young athletes! Skateboarding and motocross should both be in the Olympics! This is really, really great news!
Rob Nagy
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:09 a.m.
As someone who grew up skating in Ann Arbor, I couldn't be more proud of the hard work and dedication that was brought to bear to make this happen. Since growing up in Michigan I have seen the positive influence skateparks have in many of the communities I have lived in. I have often wondered how a city like Ann arbor could be so behind on seeing the benefits to both the users of the park and the community as a whole. A great and positive change for Ann Arbor.
AGA Nation
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:03 a.m.
We are excited for the City of Ann Arbor, Trevor and the entire committee for making the skate park a reality. Congrats and look forward to Opening Day!
Kai Petainen
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:48 p.m.
"combined with more than $100,000 in donations raised from private contributors" that's just AWESOME. thank you thank you thank you.
sanford c bledsoe iii
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
I can't wait! Thanks to everyone that helped make this a reality.
Kai Petainen
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.
This is fantastic news!!! A huge congrats to everyone involved, and a huge congrats to Dug Song. Amazing stuff. It's nice to see some good news.
Carole
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.
Congratulations! Looks marvelous.
Tom Todd
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:45 p.m.
Awesome! agree with Dutchy 734 & don't forget Hadley's
Neal Elyakin
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:22 p.m.
Bravo to the skatepark committee, all the donors and supporters of this effort, and to Trevor Staples for his unwavering support and efforts to bring the park this far. Hard work still to come, and more money needs to be raised. Visit the website, facebook page and help create a safe place to skate in Ann Arbor.
manbearpig
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
way to go a2 skatepark people. Way to jump on board and try to take credit Hohnke. Your a terrible representative of the fifth ward. Maybe you could have lobbied the A2 council to give some local money to the project, but you decided that art was may more important
manbearpig
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:07 p.m.
i realize they let them have park land . . .
Dave Morris
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
Congratulations to Trevor and everyone who worked so hard to make this happen. What a great example of grassroots activism in action! Looking forward to seeing this park come together.
justcurious
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.
Seems to me that years ago there was at least a ramp at Veterans. nice I'm not a skateboarder I never noticed that it wasn't there anymore. Does anyone remember that?
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:01 a.m.
There's a nice picture of Trevor skating it. Like all wood left outdoors it swelled, rotted and fell apart. That's why they went for concrete. Lasts a lot longer, works better, easier to maintain.
jcj
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.
What used to be was nothing compared to this.
a2roots
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
Yes it was there and most will say it was rag tag at best. Used but then forgotten and in disrepair. Much like what will happen here except it will be beautiful in the beginning and busy. it will not last.
justcurious
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:47 p.m.
Sorry, cold fingers, can't type..."Since not "nice".
Jon Saalberg
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:44 p.m.
To the naysayers: keeping the skate youth of Ann Arbor busy in a legally sanctioned environment should be of the utmost importance to you - would you rather that they keep finding alternate places to skate, annoying business owners, and keeping the Ann Arbor Police busy chasing them out of virtually every place in Ann Arbor that is a great skate spot? I think not. Think of the kids, not yourselves - you'll feel better for it.
Jason Costello
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.
OH YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so glad this is going to happen. We moved a few years back and tryed to help out on getting the sk8 park in AnnArbor. They need this and so glad to here a park will be there.
Carolyn
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
Oh for goodness sakes! The negative comments about a positive accomplishment are silly. These are the same people that probably complain about the inappropriate places these same skaters show up to practice their moves. I know that times are tough and some are going through rough times but can't we just let the kids have a bit of joy. Not everyone needs to go around in hair shirts and practice self immolation in response to the state of the world. I look forward to some day watching some talented athletes enjoy their sport. Who knows........maybe there might be future competitions held here....?
James Pyke
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
I live within a mile or so of the planned location, and I can't wait to see this up and running. Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to make this happen properly. To the naysayers: if you want to work hard with a big group of people from the city and beyond to raise money for something you believe in, please by all means do so, but don't spit on these fine people who worked so hard to make this happen.
fjord
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.
I've never skateboarded in my life (and I'm far too old for it now), but I'm quite happy that this skatepark is finally going forward. Kudos to all who've devoted time to the project.
jcj
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
Ditto for me.
Ron Granger
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:12 p.m.
Won't someone think of the children! The totally stoked children, pulling off k-rad k001 moves on their blue-tooth enabled boards, while texting each other and eating skittles. Those are skittles, aren't they? Me, I am going to invest in an Orthopaedic surgical clinic. I also plan on converting a hot dog cart into a band-aid/first-aid cart. Anyone want a cart job? I'm gonna be rich.
barefootdave
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
Great news! Now I have to get on my 8x8 brick order.
PLGreen
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.
And how much of this money will go towards Art?
Dutchy734
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.
As some one who spent much of the late 80's to mid 90's running from and getting ticketed by both UofM police and AAPD because of skateboarding this news makes me very happy! We never had a place to skate, we would drive to K Zoo Skate zoo, at the time the closest park, we would get kicked out of and chased from every place we skated. Now Parents will have a safe place to bring little ones, teens will have a place to skate and hang out and washed up skaters like myself will have a place to try and relive our youth. Message to young skaters, this is your park, take care of it. Even before The search for Animal Chin came out we have always been viewed as trouble makers, misfits, outsiders...now is your/our chance to shine..Congrats!!
hiphopopotamus
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
Awesome! Huge props to Trevor Staples, Dug Song, Crystle Partington, Chris Cassel, Jim Reische, Andy MacDonald and all the other dedicated volunteers involved in the A2 Skatepark effort. I'm proud to say that I'm a supporter of such a focused and driven group of individuals that worked together as a team and overcame monumental obstacles. Well done guys, well done. I can't wait to shred the snake run! In Ann Arbor!
lurkypsi
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
i was lucky enough to work with the committee for a short period of time and the amount of hard work and determination these people have put into this is nothing less than gigantic. putting aside personal lives to pound the pavement to raise money and spread the word. a goal was determined, plans were made, and people worked hard. it showed that if you are determined enough to work hard you can succeed. as far as people saying that the money should be spent elsewhere...some people will never be happy. are worried about the delonis center? volunteer your time to help raise money, work art fair rain or shine to promote awareness. dont take away
lurkypsi
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:04 p.m.
i'm not knocking people for what they support. its just a bummer that a majority of the people complaining are the same keyboard critics who don't help the cause they seem to be so upset about.
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
... also ann arbor open and allen creek preschool.
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
For what's worth I donate to the skatepark, delonis center, women's shelter and local food pantries.
lurkypsi
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:59 p.m.
what people are doing to better their community.
Doctor Fang
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
Fantastic! I'm proud to see our community supporting a diversity of sports. Congratulations to the years of hard work and grassroots supporters who brought the project to this point.
Dan Meisler
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
Congrats Trevor Staples and the rest of the skate park friends -- so glad to hear your hard work paid off -- all you naysayers should sign your real names so you can publicly eat crow when the skate park becomes the most popular recreational facility in town -- and I really hope none of you have ever complained about people skating in the street, you can't have it both ways.
Wolf's Bane
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
So true. It has been many years since we had the option of skating to CHS for gym credit.
poohbah
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
A plan of the SkatePark is available at: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-skatepark-unveils-final-design/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-skatepark-unveils-final-design/</a> It's still not a very good depiction because the legends are hard to read. But at least it's bigger....
Jordan Miller
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
This is an amazing story of grassroots passion, devotion, and determination. A group of people who had a dream for something to make their community a better place. I wish that some of the commenters had any idea how hard this group worked to make the Skatepark a reality. I had the pleasure of working with them for a short time, and it was impressive to say the least. -Kids organizing to pass out stickers and spread the word all around town. -Board members selling T-Shirts in the rain. -Parents putting up ramps in parking lots for kids to skate at impromptu fundraising events. -Meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings..... No one ever had to do this to get a golf course. No, this is not a liability. No, this won't attract graffiti or crime or whatever... What it will do is give kids a place to skate instead of forcing them to sneak around (teaching them to run from the police) or, even worse, just sit inside watching TV. And a beautifully designed public space for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations to every single person who worked on or donated to this campaign. This is a true success story.
A2anon
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:07 a.m.
sigdiamond, more and more people are finally coming to realize that very fact.
sigdiamond
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
Most of the commenters on this site are angry old people from Wayne County who hate Ann Arbor and anything that happens in it. This entire web site is essentially a forum for senior citizens from the western suburbs to complain about a place they don't live.
PeterNow
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
Dee_AnnArbor - I believe it is planned for the area across from Plum Market. souljacker - A bigger image of the proposed design is on their FB page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#" rel='nofollow'>http://www.facebook.com/#</a>!/photo.php?fbid=10150215168185585&set=a.10150324149645585.559609.297383390584&type=3&theater Peter Eckstein - The liability insurance required is similar to any public sporting facility as people get hurt playing on things like basketball courts too. a2roots - If you consider a beautiful public park area with children and a diverse cornucopia people gracefully soaring through the air, smiling, high-fiving, being active and having fun out in the fresh air of Ann Arbor to be blight then I say bring on the blight.
InsideTheHall
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:32 p.m.
Meanwhile the ball parks at Vets Park continue to deteriorate and fees escalate chasing Ann Arbor based ball clubs to diamonds outside the city. This ain't free this is $700K of taxpayers money on a skate park! Will the skate park be handicap accessible? You know Grandma likes to take a spin on the wheelchair from time to time.
Bruce 'Rudy' Phillips
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:17 a.m.
Kids (and many adults) choice of sports & activities is changing! Change with 'em or get outta the way!
James
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
If you feel so strongly about it I would suggest you contact the kids that made this possible and ask them for guidance in how you can do the very same for baseball. This is where you respond with "well I didn't mean I should have to do something about it, I just wanted to complain everyone doesn't cater to my wants/needs".
jcj
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.
Like anybody plays ball any more! They could plant corn on the diamonds and nobody would miss them!
Dug Song
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:01 a.m.
You've obviously never heard of adaptive action sports. <a href="http://adacs.org/" rel='nofollow'>http://adacs.org/</a> Maybe Grandma can learn to do a flip: <a href="http://www.aaronfotheringham.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.aaronfotheringham.com/</a>
Diane
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
Shame on the State of Michigan and the city of Ann Arbor for this wasteful and unnecessary use of taxpayers' money when there are so many people without jobs. What about the homeless of Ann Arbor? Shouldn't we be using the money to support the Delonis Center and other shelters? Who will use this skate park and for how long before it falls into disrepair? It's my opinion that this is a wasteful spending of grant money.
James
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
Projects like this are used to create short term jobs (builders, contractors, etc.) and funnel money back into the system, the system in this case being the City of Ann Arbor and the State of Michigan. Who will use it you ask? I would assume skateboarders… It is a skate park…
Daniel Soebbing
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 6:38 p.m.
I agree that we should be doing a better job of aiding the homeless and jobless right now. But parks are a pretty important factor in the quality of life in our city. I don't think there is any reason that we shouldn't be able to fund the Delonis Center. This grant that got the last chunk of money needed to build the skatepark was definitely not dipping into funds that might have been used to provide that needed funding.
Ron Granger
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 9:07 p.m.
There have always been homeless in Ann Arbor. There always will be. Same for people without jobs. By your logic we should sell all of the parks and give the money to the homeless.
Chris Taylor
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.
Good Job Trevor Staples and friends of Ann Arbor Skatepark!
Ron Granger
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
Congratulations! Whenever I've driven by the skatepark in Traverse City, I see it in heavy use by kids of all ages. Some look as young as 3. Boys and girls. It really surprised me how much use it gets. I wish I'd had that chance when I was a kid. "Bones heal and chicks dig scars."
Bruce 'Rudy' Phillips
Fri, Dec 9, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
Ron, I bet you'll see alot of "older" skaters "come out of the woodwork" as skateparks get built; I know that's the case down here in Florida. Some of our public skateparks deicate a night to "Old Man" night. I'm 44, been skating for nearly 30 years, and still try to skate at least once a week.
Brian Kuehn
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
"Bones heal and chicks dig scars." And parents retain plaintiff lawyers.
Mermaidswim
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
It will not impact the sledding hill. It's here: <a href="http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/04/040308skatepark.png" rel='nofollow'>http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/04/040308skatepark.png</a>. I have been driving my son to Brighton, Farmington, Royal Oak, etc. to go to a good skatepark for the last 8 years; he will have graduated and moved on to college before this is constructed, but it will be a great resource for the community.
Jim Osborn
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:42 a.m.
A silly map, as it just shows the middle of the 4 baseball diamonds at Vets park, I sure hope that they do not plan on tearing out the 4 baseball / softball fields for this. This article should have explained exactly where in the park this is to be.
greenstriper
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:19 p.m.
Wow-- I had no idea this was going to be this elaborate. Pretty cool, really. Congratulations!
Peter Eckstein
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
I don't want to sound like a wet blanket, but will the city carry liability insurance for the accidents that will inevitably occur at the Skatepart? If so, what will be the annual cost?
Dug Song
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
@Brian Kuehn: The best research which quantifies skateboarding risks comes from the Journal of Trauma, October '02, by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. They determined the number of skateboarding injuries per active skateboarder and compared those numbers to in-line skating and basketball. Skateboarding had an injury rate of 8.9 per 1,000 participants. Inline skating was 3.9 per 1,000 and basketball produced 21.2 ER-treated injuries per 1,000 players. Statistically, skateboarding is safer than playing basketball. Re: insurance rates, Michigan cities like Lansing, Mason, Westland, Bay City, Jackson, and many others have operated their skateparks for years, and consulted to our parks & rec department about the maintenance and insurance costs. Bottom line - it isn't an issue, though there are lots of false prejudices the data doesn't bear out.
John Q
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 2:48 a.m.
Brian, you seem to be an expert on liability when it comes to municipal facilities. Why don't you educate us on what the law says?
5c0++ H4d13y
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
It will be a rounding error compared to all the ball fields, swimming pools (no one ever drowned in a skatepark), hockey rinks, golf courses, tenis courts, bike trails, play grounds, basketball courts, canoe rental (no ever drowned canoeing in a skatepark) ... How come these questions are never asked when the other recreation venues open?
Brian Kuehn
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:39 a.m.
@Dug Song - where did you get your data? You made a general statement and expect everyone to accept it as a fact. Even if your statement is correct that basketball is less safe than skate parks , the question was liability, not safety. Having hundreds of minors lightly supervised at a skate park owned by the City offers a significant potential liability exposure. A basketball court is not even close to that liability exposure. While the City's insurance program may cover the activity, the future rates we pay (or set aside in self-insurance) will in large part be determined by whether injured minors' parents choose to sue over the inevitable injuries. And we all know who ultimately pays the bills in the City - the taxpayers.
Dug Song
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
Already covered under the city's municipal insurance. 20 years of public skateparks have set the precedent - and demonstrated that it's actually a safer activity than basketball.
Forever27
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:14 p.m.
I'm proud of the people who put so much work into this project. Being someone who does not skate, I probably won't utilize this facility. However, that does not mean that I don't want it around and that I'm not proud of what it represents: community involvement by our younger generation.
Dee_AnnArbor
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
Will this impact the sledding hill? Where exactly will it be located in Vets Park? How about a better map?
a2roots
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.
This will end up being a taxpayer burden and ultimately will be underutilized, fall into disrepair and a blight in the community.
Left is Right
Thu, Dec 8, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
Sure doesn't seem to be the case at Riley in Farmington Hills or at other outdoor parks around the state.
a2roots
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:14 p.m.
Call it what you want; bad attitude, spreading the wealth, great example of grass roots, a much needed option, or anything else. But the sad fact is this park will be a drain on resources, fade slowly into the sunset as a destination and eventually sit unused. If it was such a great investment it would have been funded a long time ago.
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.
As a tax payer I'm asked to pay for soccer, baseball, football, golf, hockey, pools ... all of which I don't use. A skatepark is something I would enjoy.
Ron Granger
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
I could express the very same view about something else - taxpayer burden, underutilized, fall into disrepair and a blight in the community. But I won't.
Forever27
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
we have a group of young people in our community who wanted something that they and those around the area could enjoy for a long time. They then went through all of the appropriate channels to acquire this. Why not just be proud of the fact that the kids in this town learned so much about the political process and, in the end, created something for future young people of the area to enjoy?
Anonymous
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:09 p.m.
I just love the positive attitudes that abound in these comments. I learned from my mother, if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything. Many of you should take that lesson to heart!
souljacker
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:09 p.m.
That's the spirit!
Lisa Dengiz
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8 p.m.
Bravo and thanks to all the visionary, hard working and devoted teen and adult supporters of the Skatepark!!
souljacker
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
Congratulations to all involved! Is there a larger image of the park design available?
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
This is where it will go. The darkened edge of the ball field in the rendering above is the one you see in the google map. <a href="http://g.co/maps/p5qrg" rel='nofollow'>http://g.co/maps/p5qrg</a>
souljacker
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:03 p.m.
Also, where exactly is the park going to be located?
Bostwick Pickles
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:44 p.m.
This is exactly what the city needs! Forget infrastructure!
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
City didn't spend money on it except for the land grant.
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
I can't wait to skate it. Here's to Trevor Staples for leading this the whole way!
toothless wonder
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
I wish the Delonis Shelter and warming center got a grant like this, for shame for shame!!!!
Borbsi
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 11:48 p.m.
There are many diverse elements to a community.
just a voice
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
lots of people put in lots of time to make this happen, stop complaining and get to work on your issue and make it happen. I didn't think they were going to get it done, really happy for them that they did.
aawolve
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
A guy I know tried offering minimum wage cash jobs to the residents at the local shelter a few times. Guess how many takers? None, why would they?
Jordan Miller
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.
This money came from parks and recreation budgets.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.
Congratulations to Trevor Staples and the Friends of the Ann Arbor Skatepark! This is indeed great news and proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that a small band of like-minded individuals can push a project of this size and scope through. Also, a hardy thanks to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission. Cheers!
dextermom
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
It's way longer than 2005 that people have been trying to get a place to skate and this is wonderful! We say "don't skate here" and "don't skate there" and then complain when they do so much work to get a place to skate.
alterego
Wed, Dec 7, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
Very cool or rad or whatever the current slang term for great news is today.