Skate park years in making needs a hand
If you build it, you can come.
OK, not really.
No one's going to ask for proof that you helped erect Elgin's first skate park at Grant School Park before granting you admission.
But if you want to get in on the action early, take a few hours the week of July 14 to help.
Elgin's Parks and Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help with the project at the corner of Lawrence Avenue and Jackson Street on Elgin's near west side.
"It's been many years in the works. A lot of kids had to wait a long time for this. Now we're a few weeks away," said Paul Bednar, park development coordinator for the city.
The 5,000-square-foot, triangle-shaped skate park is part of an overall $406,000 plan for the former site of Grant School.
Bednar said the department over the years worked with residents and skaters.
A few months ago, the skaters requested some additional equipment for the park. But that would increase the cost, so officials had an idea.
"So we threw out the option to them: 'Are you guys going to help put it together?' " Bednar said, adding that helps give the skaters a sense of ownership. "It's important that the kids that are going to be using the park are going to help put it together."
Work consists primarily of moving parts off a truck and holding them in place while they are bolted to a concrete pad.
A professional skate park installation supervisor will be on site at all times. Volunteers must be at least 13. For details, call (847) 531-7010.
City officials plan to unveil the entire 1.8-acre park, which also includes a playground and picnic shelter, on July 26.
Betsy and Keith Drew, Elgin residents for 17 years, plan to help put the ramps together.
Betsy Drew said skate park discussions began 10 years ago. Her sons are 18 and 20 now and not likely to use the park, but she believes it's a good amenity for the neighborhood.
"(Volunteering) is a good way to unite the area, the community and the park," she said. "I'm really pleased it's going in. We have a lot of younger kids that are skateboarding now."
Bednar said the parks and recreation department is exploring erecting a skate park on the city's east side.
No final decision has been made, but the 8-acre Prairie Park location on Willard Avenue between Chicago and Villa streets is one option.
"It's in the drawing stage," Bednar said.
How to help
What: Elgin's Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers to help assemble a skate park that is part of the Grant School Park project.
When: Two-hour shifts during week of July 14.
Where: Corner of Lawrence Avenue and Jackson Street
Who: Anyone 13 or older may help; only people 18 and older may use power tools. No special skills necessary
Call: To sign up, call Jeff Foster at (847) 531-7010.