Dundee Township ramps up for skate park

Aspiring skateboarders in Dundee Township could soon have a place to call their own.

The Dundee Township Park District is considering the construction of the district's first skate park near the tennis courts in West Dundee's Huffman Park, Park Director Tom Mammoser said.

"This will give children in Dundee Township an opportunity to have a skate park," Mammoser said. "It would be in the middle of the township and we felt the park had enough depth to move it far enough away from the residents, but close enough to be convenient, so people can come and use it."

The skate park is expected to be about the size of a tennis court with an asphalt surface and a variety of ramps and railings.

Mammoser said the park would not be a destination that would attract people from out of town, but it would be a place for local enthusiasts to work on their skills.

"We don't see this as something that people will drive to," Mammoser said. "We haven't had many complaints, but we know there are a lot of skateboarders out there who will use whatever is challenging to them. With the park, we can direct them to a place they can utilize."

Initial response from the West Dundee village board was positive, Village Manager Joe Cavallaro said.

"This would be in the center of the township and would add an additional amenity to the park," Cavallaro said.

The park district is looking to include the park's anticipated $100,000 to $150,000 price tag in its 2009-10 budget.

Mammoser said construction could begin this summer.