Skatepark another step closer to reaility

With the City of Fort Scott and USD 234 coming to an agreement, the Fort Scott Skatepark Committee is one major step closer to their goal.

Earlier this month an agreement was reached between the City of Fort Scott and USD 234 for the trade of two parcels of land on Scott Avenue to be the future location of the Fort Scott Skatepark. USD 234 will trade it's bus lot property with the city's neighboring lot which is currently empty.

"It's exciting, we're making progress," Fort Scott Skatepark Committee Co-convener Nate Lyons said. "It is a big step in the right direction."

The committee was looking for a location that was centrally located and possessed good visibility. The lot sits in between the two catwalks providing a safe way for the children to cross U.S. Highway 69 to access the park. The committee was also looking for a location that was close to other activity areas. With the lot being within 2 blocks of Fisher Park and Buck Run Community Center, it fits right in. Lyons said the committee approached the city to find a suitable location for the park. The committee had a list of possible locations when the city recommended the site.

"It was not something we originally considered but it met all our criteria in a better way ... than even the ones we had selected," Lyons said.

Lyons said the committee is wanting to put up a sign noting the property as the future location of the park to keep the goal in the minds of the children.

"We want to put a sign up ... to visually encourage the kids," Lyons said.

With the acquisition of the land completed, the committee can now move to the next step by getting bid from contractors and getting the number of how much the project will cost. The committee will also continue fundraising efforts and begin applying for grants.

"That is going to be a major factor when we are applying for some of these grants," Lyons said.

With the acquisition of the land, the committee has seen a revived enthusiasm among the area skaters. Lyons said he has had new skaters come to him to pick up sponsorship forms for the Skaters as Scholars program in addition to previous participants getting more forms.

"There seems to be, especially with the acquisition of the land, a new enthusiasm about the kids wanting to be a little bit more involved and try a little bit harder to get some money raised," Lyons said.

The first year for the Skaters as Scholars program proved to be beneficial for the committee. According to Lyons, the 13 students participating in the program raised over $2,500, which was matched by a private donor making the total over $5,000 in it's first year. Lyons said they hope to increase that amount this year with in addition of an attendance incentive in which the students can get sponsors to donate money if they have perfect attendance throughout the school year.

"You can see how much of an impact such a small group can have," Lyons said.

Lyons said the Skaters as Scholars program in not limited to skaters only. Those who know a skater or just want to help out are encouraged to participate.

"It can be any student that wants to help," Lyons said.

For more information, to print off a sponsorship form, or to view profiles of local skaters visit www.fortscottskatepark.com