Skate park grant denied for Villa Park

Villa Park officials recently got bad news about their efforts to build a new skateboarding facility.

The state has denied the village's request for an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant to pay for half of the $356,000 needed to construct a new skate park and redesign a soccer field, Village President Joyce Stupegia said.

Plans for the proposed skate park include rails, ramps and other features sought by area youth.

It would be built west of the Iowa Community Center near Addison Road.

It also would include landscaping, concrete, a path to the site, an accessible water fountain, bleachers, security cameras and fencing. Equipment would cost about $100,000.

Members of a skate park committee expect the more visible location to keep users interested in the facility.

The new site also is expected to deter vandalism, which has been an ongoing problem at the existing skate facility at Jefferson Park on Terrace Street.

Village officials say they plan to resubmit the grant request next year.

In the meantime, the majority of the existing skate park pavement at Jefferson Park is expected to be removed this week and grass will be planted in the soil.

The equipment will be gathered for storage in order to prevent unauthorized use over the winter, village officials said.

The equipment will get touch-ups and the area will be repaved before the facility's reopening in spring 2009.

New security cameras also will be installed at that time.