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Even though it has been open since Aug. 28, Saturday marked the official opening of Carthage’s new skateboard and BMX bike park at Griggs Park.
Hardee’s along with Members of the City Council and Mayor Michael Harris were on hand to cut the ribbon on the new location.
“Today is a great day,” Mayor Harris said, “It seems like our modern generation spends most of its time indoors so this is really good to see.”
The skate park, originally located on the Fair Acres Family YMCA complex on Fir Road, was moved to a central part of town after a vote by the City Council.
The park was originally built in a utility easement owned by KAMO electric cooperative and the cooperative sued. A judge’s order in January forced the city to close the park and look for another location.
The decision to put the park in Griggs Park stemmed from complaints that Fair Acres was too far away for youngsters who might use it to access the skate park.
“All of the kids that use it like the location much better,” said Harris. “I used to see kids ride their skateboards all the way through town to get out there. It is centrally located and there are a lot of kids in this area. I think it has worked out much better.”
The Parks Department, Public Works employees and workers with Reed Concrete Construction built the concrete pad for the park last month and added to that pad this month.
“This location is a lot better and it is a lot bigger area,” said Nicholas Rowland, 14, of Carthage. “We all really like the new half pipe and bench. They have done an awesome job with it.”
To this point turnout at the park has been better than expected and there are hopes that other skaters will utilize that park in the future as well.
“It is a great addition to the city,” Mayor Harris added. “It is important for us to provide recreational opportunities for our children. I think this is going to be well used and may encourage other kids to take up this sport. So far we (City Council) have enjoyed it and we appreciate the turnout we’re getting and the continued support.”
Even though it has been open since Aug. 28, Saturday marked the official opening of Carthage’s new skateboard and BMX bike park at Griggs Park.
Hardee’s along with Members of the City Council and Mayor Michael Harris were on hand to cut the ribbon on the new location.
“Today is a great day,” Mayor Harris said, “It seems like our modern generation spends most of its time indoors so this is really good to see.”
The skate park, originally located on the Fair Acres Family YMCA complex on Fir Road, was moved to a central part of town after a vote by the City Council.
The park was originally built in a utility easement owned by KAMO electric cooperative and the cooperative sued. A judge’s order in January forced the city to close the park and look for another location.
The decision to put the park in Griggs Park stemmed from complaints that Fair Acres was too far away for youngsters who might use it to access the skate park.
“All of the kids that use it like the location much better,” said Harris. “I used to see kids ride their skateboards all the way through town to get out there. It is centrally located and there are a lot of kids in this area. I think it has worked out much better.”
The Parks Department, Public Works employees and workers with Reed Concrete Construction built the concrete pad for the park last month and added to that pad this month.
“This location is a lot better and it is a lot bigger area,” said Nicholas Rowland, 14, of Carthage. “We all really like the new half pipe and bench. They have done an awesome job with it.”
To this point turnout at the park has been better than expected and there are hopes that other skaters will utilize that park in the future as well.
“It is a great addition to the city,” Mayor Harris added. “It is important for us to provide recreational opportunities for our children. I think this is going to be well used and may encourage other kids to take up this sport. So far we (City Council) have enjoyed it and we appreciate the turnout we’re getting and the continued support.”
