CLEARLAKE — The Andrew Johnson Memorial Skatepark is expected to reopen today. Public Works began repairs on Wednesday and anticipates completing the job by the end of the work day.
The skatepark has been closed for 41 days. The gate was originally locked due to rule violations; however, the park remained closed for more than a month because of safety hazards in relation to damaged ramps.
Public Works crewman Chuck Davis reported that materials for the repair job came in late last week. Wednesday was the first day the crew had available to start the repairs. “We”re hoping to have it open this weekend,” Davis said, adding that Public Works crews do not work on Fridays so they are looking at finishing the job today.
The current repairs consist of replacing outside sheeting on some of the ramps and fixing under pins and wooden framework underneath the surface of the ramps. The repairs are being funded thanks to a grant awarded by the Redbud Healthcare District.
The grant, which was sought and secured by local youth advocate Ken Savin, is in the amount of $5000. Material costs are estimated at $3300. The remainder of the grant will be used to construct a shade structure at the skatepark.
“It means a lot that people in this city are willing to rally around the youth,” Savin said with regard to receiving the grant. “We”re grateful that people of the city have come together again to support the youth.”
Savin reported that the Planning Commission has approved the plans for constructing the shade structure. Final approval by the City Council is expected during its regular meeting tonight. The shade area will be a gazebo-type structure providing shade and seating. “Originally we were looking at one of those carport-type structures but the city didn”t think that would be aesthetically pleasing,” Savin said, adding he was able to come up with a gazebo-type design that he hopes receives the council”s approval at tonight”s meeting.
Clearlake Mayor Curt Giambruno was out Wednesday checking on the progress of the repair project. Giambruno has repeatedly warned users of the park that compliance with the rules is a must.
“Ken and I had a long talk. We both hope that the kids will conform to the rules and regulations. He”s explained to them that this is not what the council wishes. They are rules that are dictated to us by the state,” Giambruno said. “I just hope that after all we”ve gone through that the kids will wear their helmets and their protective gear and take care of the park.
The reality of it is there is a whole lot of summer left. If the kids mind their Ps and Qs, they”ll have the rest of the summer up until winter to enjoy what they do,” Giambruno added.
In December the council decided to allow dual use of the facility by skateboarders and bike riders on an alternate-day schedule. Bike riders and skateboarders are not use the facility at the same time. Should there be no bikers using the park on their assigned days, rules are such to allow skateboarders use of the facility and vice-versa. Bike riders are assigned to even-numbered days while skateboarders are assigned to odd.
All users of the park must wear a helmet; and protective gear, such as elbow and knee pads, must be worn by skateboarders.
“If they don”t abide by the rules and regulations it will get shut down again,” Mayor Giambruno reiterated.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
