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Residents, city clash over skate park
Published Friday, June 26, 2009
IRONTON — A group of residents disappointed in the city’s decision to build a proposed skateboard park adjacent to their homes voiced their frustrations to the mayor and city council Thursday night.
At issue with several homeowners is Mayor Rich Blankenship’s choice to build the proposed Ironton Skate Park facility on city property at the corner of North Fourth and Etna streets. Residents say that, if built, the skate park would decrease neighborhood home values, increase an already growing crime rate and eliminate whatever green space the current park property has.
“I am a little concerned with a skate park going down there,” said homeowner Tom Schwab, who does support the idea of a skate park somewhere in Ironton. “This is a family park and it seems like they want to turn it into a skate park only. We don’t have a lot of parks left in the city.”
Schwab asked Blankenship and council if they would consider moving the proposed Ironton Skate Park to another part of the city or to a different locale on the property. He said much of the green space the skate park is going to consume is used regularly for soccer, baseball and whiffleball games.
As it stands the skate park is going to be built on the far southeast side of the property. Schwab asked if it could be moved to the southwest side of the property – a request Blankenship said could not be done.
“I’ve moved it as far as I can move it,” the mayor explained while using a blackboard to show council how the skate park would be positioned.
As for moving to a different location within the city, Blankenship said he had studied every possible location for the skate park and the central location the Fourth and Etna site offers was considered the best.
Etna Street homeowner Bennie Blankenship said the threat of increased crime, constant foul language and the blatant disregard to the posted park hours has him very concerned the skate park would be a bad idea for the neighborhood.
Blankenship is not related to the mayor.
While Police Chief Jim Carey did acknowledge that “a lot of suspicious activity” goes on at the park, council and the mayor said they would look into increasing the law enforcement presence in the area – something Carey said was successful in reducing crime at the Ninth Street Park.
The mayor also added that new and larger signs would be posted for those using the park. City ordinance lists park hours as 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
While city council wasn’t directly involved in the planning or site selection of the skate park, they did offer some advice from time to time during the debate.
Councilman Butch Huff told those nervous about the skate park at Fourth and Etna to consider the possible advantages of it.
“There could be a positive effect with more parents and children the new skate park could bring down,” Huff said in explaining how parents could curb some of the foul language and other issues the park currently is saddled with.
Following nearly two years of fundraising and planning, the proposed Ironton Skate Park is starting to carve itself into something tangible. Today, Blankenship will be ordering $23,800 worth of equipment from Joplin, Mo., based American Ramp Company for design and construction of the skate park.
Blankenship highlighted one perk ARC can offer Ironton is a “matching” dollar-for-dollar program to cities that have been awarded monetary grants for skate parks by the Tony Hawk Foundation.
Early this year, the city received a $5,000 grant from the foundation set up by the professional skateboarder. Launched in 2002, the foundation awards grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to communities looking to expand skateboarding within their region.
Blankenship said ARC would match the $5,000 with material donations.
Today’s order follows more than $20,000 worth of new playground and park equipment the city has installed at the Etna Street Park. It was the first new order of equipment at the park since the early 1970’s.
As for the concrete work needed for the skate park, the mayor added that a bid package will soon be drafted and advertised. City ordinance mandates any projects or purchases estimated to cost more than $25,000 require the project to be placed out for bid.
The ARC share of the project is estimated to come well under $25,000.
The skate park got jump started in July 2008 when Judge David Payne and the Probate/Juvenile Court gave a $13,000 grant to the city’s recreation department. The grant, allocated through the Lawrence County Department of Youth Services, is geared towards providing activities to help keep youngsters from getting in trouble with the law.
In November, the city’s recreation department was awarded a $30,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks program.
Both grants were designed and written that monies allocated from them are to be used exclusively for the skate park.
Other major donations include $2,000 from a benefit concert at Frog Town and a $1,000 donation by the Child Welfare Club in March.
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Comments
Posted by SkyWatcher (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a waste of money ! And it seems the Mayor does not care how the residents who live near that park feel about the whole deal.
Posted by OzzyGrymes (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When planning this did the city officials allow for the citizens to have input? Especially where it would be built?
Posted by jenilynn (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This skate park will keep them from being in the street riding on 3rd st. and almost getting hit or ran over. And that Etna street park, needs to be put to use besides the tennis court. Kids & adults that skate need a place to go also. Increase of foul language, just like ppl to stereotype everyone they don't know. You all are offended about the skate park, i am offended that you think cause we skate we cuss & act crazy.. I SAY PUT THE SKATE PARK IN & YOU ALL ACTUALLY SIT ON YOUR PORCH & WATCH!!!!
Posted by michaelOH (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our kids need this.
Go ahead and build it at the proposed site.
Posted by lifesaver (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you could build this park out by the hills shopping center and people would complain, no matter where they would want to put this in ironton someone is going to complain, that it is going to block this, cause this to happen, maybe if the people of ironton would grow up and realize that the kids can't make a living off welfare like they do
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems like skate parks are like prisons...we all recognize we need more, but nobody wants them built close to them.
I thought the city HAD public meetings concerning the skate park, but the attendance was very low, probably because nobody counted on the money being available.
I still like the idea of "sponsor" bricks around the park as a means of building up a Maintainence fund, because vandalism will occur at some point. That is a certainty. And it might make people feel a little safer if there is at least one camcorder for the park.
Posted by JenniferJ24 (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
No matter what you try to do in Ironton someone has to complain about it! That's why its in the shape its in now no one wants anything new to come into Ironton, How is a skatepark going to increase crime? I agree with jenilyn because I have had one dart right across the street in front of me almost hitting them! I say go for it, Ironton needs something for kids to do!
Posted by billco (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the people of this neighborhood have should a say of what happens in their neighborhood. the police should patrol it real close till they weed out the bad ones. their are far more good people that like to skate than bad ones. we can't punish the good because of the bad. we do that and we will never have anything worth while.
Posted by OLDAAA (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We live in a town with no stores, no movie theaters, and no hospital. Do you really think that anything could make your property value go lower?
Posted by billco (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i can't anybodys property value going down due to a skatepark- play ground.
Posted by Vil (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone in their right mind would know that a skate park may actually bring the property values up. Common sense does not rule in this town.
I guess Benny Blankenship and the neighbors have no problems with the vulgar language and total disregard of park hours by the men that play basketball there all summer; it's only the skater kids that they have a problem with.
Posted by rooster1410 (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The park currently has people playing basketball and tennis on a regular basis. The skate park will not bring any new cuss words to that area. Surely the city wouldn't move the site of the skate park just because the "Otis Campbell" of Ironton (Bennie Blankenship) wants it to be moved. I'm pretty certain that the low income housing that is in that area has already made the property value bottom out. The skate park will do nothing but increase the value.
Posted by SkyWatcher (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all of you who say it's a good idea, how would you feel if the skate park was across the street from your house ?
Just the noise factor alone , not to mention possible injuries, fights etc. would seem to be more than a nuisance , it could make a person want to stay inside their home instead of enjoying the outdoors?
Posted by dontsaythat (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If benny is concerned about the property value, maybe you should lower the asking price you had on it,,,, when you was trying to sell it. I thought the asking price was high, it's only 2bdrm.... You and the lady sit out there alot and watch the games that are being played.... By the way, If property value is such a important issue with you, then WHY don't you use a scooper, pooper when you walk your dog around the surrounding park area......??????
Posted by john_mushenhouse (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it would be a gathering place for hoodlums and dope fiends. They would be introducing their dope and alternative life styles to others. I also hear they would use some part of the park as a toilet.
Posted by nursetam01 (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 8:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I love living in the country...No neighbors, no skate parks...only animals...they are much more well behaved than people!! I have rental property in Ironton - I say build the park... may as well get something for those property taxes, It doesn't look like we are going to get anything else.
Posted by ohioavonlady (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
For all those who don't want the skate park in their front door, MOVE, plain and simple.
I personally enjoy watching kids play and having a good time......and if the kids know someone is constantly watching, they will be less likely to misbehave.
You know, I bet if the skate park would financially benefit the neighbors or it be something only those well off money wise could afford to take part in, then I bet they'd be all for it!
Several years ago, someone wanted to put in a Mini golf course in Ironton, and everyone was afraid it would attract the "wrong element" to the neighborhood and it was voted down.
Now you folks are saying the same thing about a skate park.
I don't hear any complaints when a new bar, carry out or "beer joint" opens in Ironton, what kind of people does that draw to the area???
I also don't hear any complaints about Rally on The River. I'd guess that a good number of the participants drink, smoke, cuss, and make a considerable amount of noise.........and they seem to keep the bars in Ironton hoppin............but yet they are welcomed to Ironton with open arms.
What sort of message does this send to the local kids???
Put the local kids FIRST for a change, build the skate park and let them have some legal, fun, physical activity!
As for those who are complaining about the possible hoodlums and druggies, keep the phone and 911 handy.
For those complaining about injuries, well, it's not on your property and probably not your kid, so it's none of your concern.
For those who complain about the noise, most stores sell earplugs!
Don't want to watch them? Put some blinds on your porch!.........if all else fails, sell out and move!
Let's Skate!!!
Posted by wonderingoutloud (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the citizens have the right to comment on any matter involving local government. Shame on the folks who make derogatory, personal comments about citizens who speak up and state their minds at council meetings!
I wonder if the police will protect the park area like they have protected the 2nd street construction area I read about in another article in tonight's paper.
I agree with the comment about how some of the people would feel if it was being built in their neighborhood.
Posted by Country (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 9:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe some of the money can be used to put some camera's up to help identify those that maybe causing trouble or to prevent trouble from happening. Especially after dark. The police can not be there all the time. Just an idea.
Posted by NeverCeasesToAmazeMe (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't really see what the big problem is and why people are complaining. There are already tennis and basketball being played! It's not like it is not already being occupied by kids/adults that at times can be loud and obnoxious! Kids are kids and they do laugh and scream and on occassion may have a fight whether it be a skate park, a basketball court or a swing or slide. If it looks like something serious, call the police. If they are having fun then sit back and watch them and try to remember back at a time when YOU were young and out having fun with your friends.
Posted by OLDad (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
build it they wiil come....how about beside the spray park ....the parking lot doesnt get used
Posted by myvoice (anonymous) on June 26, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
it's great to read so many comments in support for the kids..
skating is much better than kids being on drugs.....................
thank you mayor for supporting our kids
Posted by Private (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 1:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulation Rich we just got news and the skate park is going next to your house!!!!!! I bet that would help your home value!!!!
Posted by nottellin (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't blame them. There will be loud music and noise all night long. There will be kids cursing, throwing trash down, and eventually, drug dealers will appear.
The MAJORITY of the kids who would use this park are good kids. Not a lot of troublemakers. It only takes a few.
The few rotten ones will destroy the neighborhood. People won't be able to enjoy their yards and homes.
There will be people knocked down by skaters. The skaters won't keep it in the skate park.
A person should be able to sit in their home/yard without hearing the cursing and filthy language that so many kids think is "grown up".
Then, you have the kids who have dogs. They take them everywhere, without a leash. They just let them wander loose. These people have reason to be concerned and the Constitution gives them the right to voice their concerns.
Posted by Asbury (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is interesting that adults complain about the behavior of kids. On any given day you can go to the park and hear profanity streaming from adults.
Has anyone in this town heard the saying "It takes a community to raise a child"?
How fascinating that "adults" complain about the behavior of children, yet do nothing to help improve that behavior. What would it look like if the parents who complained about the behavior of kids took the time to help direct those kids? What would happen if the community came together to help the kids in low-income families find new opportunities? What would Ironton look like if instead of worrying only about what makes us comfortable and started doing what was right?
Posted by SkyWatcher (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ohioavonlady, I would like to know how you would feel if the skate park was right across the street from your house?
Honestly, just think about it : )
Posted by goybar1 (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
HOW ABOUT JUST FENCING THE WHOLE PLACE IN AND USING IT FOR A WORK CAMP.YOU COULD EMPTY BOTH JAILS AND LET THE PRISONERS FIGHT WITH EACH OTHER.NOW THERE WOULD BE SOME GOOD ENTERTAINMENT TO SIT ON THE PORCH AND WATCH.WAKE UP IRONTON AND SCRAP THE SKATE PARK.THERES STREETS YOU CANT EVEN DRIVE DOWN WITHOUT TEARING YOUR CAR UP AND YOU WANT A SKATE PARK!!! IT AMAZES ME THAT PEOPLE MAKING THE CALLS DONT HAVE ENOUGH SENSE TO COME IN OUT OF THE RAIN!!!
Posted by MasterChef (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All sides seem to have their share of valid points. In the end, I think the bigger consideration should be given to the homeowner. Some have invested a lot of time and "sweat equity" in their homes. Even if every child were meek and mild, its still disconcerting to sit on one's porch and watch children take such dangerous risks.
Let's be clear. There will be NO adult supervision. Graffiti WILL appear, it can't be stopped. Who's going to pay for the sandblasting to remove "artwork"? There will be NO emergency call box.
I've watched the skaters at Sherman-Thompson towers. Even though there are signs posted not allowing skating or bicycles, the kids do not respect the Towers' rules. What makes you think the park kids will be any different?
Why not raise the money as a community to get the kids some "free time" at Spare Time Recreation? There are numerous physical activities for the kids. Just work out the details so that Spare Time's leagues does not conflict with the kids.
Posted by michaelOH (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I disagree. Almost all of the remarks pertain to behavior.
Any age group has good and bad as far as behavior is concerned.
My statement is build this park at the proposed site.
Kids will be kids.
Posted by michaelOH (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Most people in our city have little or no extra money.
Skateboarding is relatively cost free except for the Skateboard, and consider what may have been spent already to do this for our youngsters.
Nothing is wrong about giving them a place to go the way I see it. Homeowners? Many would like to live in a place for thier youngsters to go. Besides, it is fun to watch kids play.
Posted by nursetam01 (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you don't like it...MOVE. They are more than welcome to build it in front of my house. It is only about 20 miles away, in the country, in a freakin' cow pasture. That's why we DON'T LIVE IN TOWN!! Seems like some of the complaining people need to live somewhere else!!! what part of "city living" do folks not understand?? It's not a nuclear power plant folks!!
Posted by enraged69 (anonymous) on June 27, 2009 at 10:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously are you guys just stupid to realize that the only way your going to get any where in the system that we live in to voice your opion in the right forum! There was a public hearing on the this matter and I believe there was a very minimal attendance! Now if you weren't to busy online typing hate blogs and applying for AARP and went to the meetings this situation may have not progressed to the level! You could have stopped it in the initial stages!
To the idiots that have stated that the money should be used for street repscing and other municipal purposes apparently didn't read the article and just skipped on to the comment stage! This Skate Park is being payed for through grant money. You have to use the money for what the grant was written for! If the city would apply for a grant to repsce the streets and then use it to paint city hall that would be a punishable crime and the mayor and city council could be prosecuted.
Now on to the point about the noise and other complaints! Good god! I used to live in the area! It can't get any worse! Where I live now they have a skate park and its well taken care of and the kids and adults that use the facilities police it themselves because they don't want others to mess up the one thing they got going good for them! Its called community pride! Instead of complaining and moaning about this and that focus on what good can come out of it!
Posted by jenilynn (anonymous) on June 28, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SKYWATCHER YOU KEEP SAYING "HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF THE SKATE PARK WAS BUILT RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM YOUR HOUSE?" SOME PEOPLE WOULD PROBABLY ENJOY SEEING CHILDREN DO SOMETHING BESIDES GETTING INTO TROUBLE. THE VALUE OF PROPERTY GOING DOWN I REALLY DOUBT THAT HAPPENING CONSIDERING WE HAVE NO STORES OR ANY MAJOR BUSINESS OR HOSPITALS IN IRONTON. AND YOU WORRY ABOUT FIGHTING. LOL THAT REALLY CRACKS ME UP THERE ARE FIGHTS DOWN AT THAT PARK MORE OFTEN THAN YOU REALIZE. WHERE DO YOU THINK IRONTON HIGH SCHOOLERS GO TO FIGHT.. YELP RIGHT THERE AT THAT PARK!!! IF EVERYONE IS SO WORRIED ABOUT CRIME, DRUGS & GRAFFITI & WELL TROUBLE UMM MAYBE POST A POLICE OFFICER AT THAT PARK. THAT SEEMS TO BE KEEPING TROUBLE DOWN AT 9TH ST PARK.. AND THERE WAS A COMMENT ABOUT THE SKATERS NOT OBEYING THE SIGNS AT TOWERS. WELL IF THEY HAD A PLACE TO SKATE THEN THAT WOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM ANYMORE NOW WOULD IT.. THERE IS A SKATE PARK IN ASHLAND. I AM SURE THAT THE PEOPLE NEAR IT ISN'T SO UP TIGHT AND NOT WANTING OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE A PLACE TO GO SO THEY DON'T GO SKATE WHERE THEY AREN'T SUPPOSED TOO. AND A RESTROOM PROBLEM DOWN AT THE PARK, MAYBE A COUPLE OF PORTA POTTY'S SHOULD BE PUT THERE OR AT LEAST ONE..
I SAY BUILD IT AND ENJOY IT!!!
Posted by JenniferJ24 (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the one's grumbling about the value of your home's, If you ask me I would'nt take any home you gave me in Ironton because of the fact there is nothing there! Maybe if people would let stuff come into Ironton so there would be something close by to do the value of your home's would be worth more! You live in a town that is full of bar's, what makes you think a skatepark is going to bring anymore crime, drugs, fights, or foul launguage! A skatepark isnt going to bring anything worse than what already lives beside you or with you! So no use to worry about the value of your home's they have been losing their value for years now!
Posted by SkyWatcher (anonymous) on June 29, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jenilynn, Good grief, is your caps lock broken ? and a couple of port a potties? oh please .......LOL
Posted by Ohioskate (anonymous) on December 29, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Y'all should of went with a cement skate park. It would last longer and the kids would respect it more rather than metal ramps that will fall apart a rough pad that will be there longer than the ramps. Plus people would like to watch skateboarding more on something original. If , you haven't started building it's not to late check out the Marietta skatepark.
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