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Providence resident convinces city to consider building a skate park By
Lindsey Blau PROVIDENCE -- Resident Mike Lowder thinks this city should have a skate park, and he persuaded the City Council Tuesday night to consider building one. "I am convinced that if the city supports it, and embraces it, rather than turning its back on the idea, it will be worth it in the end," Lowder told the Council. There was concern from the Council about having BMX biking, in-line skating, roller blading and skateboarding combined together. It is still an issue whether the park will allow BMX, but it is too early to tell. Lowder explained the importance of having a skate park as well as a BMX facility available to all who wish to participate in the sport. He said now that the media has focused attention on the sport, it has become about as popular as baseball and basketball, and more kids are interested in taking it up. The average cost for a well-designed, well-maintained skate park is approximately $900 per square foot, not including the price of the land, he said. Lowder compared Utah skate parks and found that he would like to have one much like the newly opened Logan City skate park, which cost about $188,000. The area of land needs to be relatively flat. Another issue is liability. In the front of Logan City's skate park, there is a disclaimer that states those that use the facility are to do so at their own risk. Lowder said there are more injuries in football and basketball than there have been in skating. "Given the restrictions of the city budget, any extra money will help this cause," said Councilman Randy Simmons. If Lowder can find an alternative source for money, the city will be able to provide the land from one of the previous parks no longer in use. "If we had a site, and identify a well-organized plan, you can get to work on designing a park. All you need to worry about is the money," Simmons said. The alternative is to have a joint agreement with Millville and Hyrum that will be brought up at their city meeting later this month. With their cooperation, and evidence that the skate park will be of good use for these cities, the Council could vote on the proposed skate park in the near future.
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