Renovations to Weirton skate park move forward
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WEIRTON - A project to update and improve the safety of a skate park located within Municipal Plaza is under way.
Through the support of some local contributors, the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation has spent the last few months reviewing the skate park and seeing what can be done to keep it viable for the use of area residents.
"We reviewed the structural integrity," explained Park Board member Anthony Capp. "It's pretty good."
Some portions of the park, including the base of the half pipe and areas of the ramps, were in need of some rehabilitation and paint, it was noted, a process which has been under way in recent weeks.
Estimates are most of the work will accomplished shortly.
"The equipment on top of the ground will be done in the next week or so," Capp noted during Thursday's meeting of the Park Board.
Capp said he has been in touch with a contactor about the possibility of installing a new surface, which would address any issues with potholes or uneven pavement, noting a grate on site also will need to be addressed.
The surfacing can be done without removing any of the existing equipment, he said.
"They would resurface up to the ramp area," Capp said, noting the cost for such work would be $9,900.
The Park Board would need to provide $4,950 toward that total, he said, with other sources from the community already offering to assist.
"There are resources out there available," he said.
Fencing also is expected to be installed around the park.
Ward 4 Councilman Rick Stead, who is one of two representatives of Weirton Council on the Park Board, offered to contribute financially as well.
Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle offered his thanks to Capp for leading the effort on the project, with other board members also expressing their gratitude.
"We certainly appreciate everything you've done," board member Doug Finton said.
Discussions on the future of the skate park began in March, with board members expressing concern as to the safety of the equipment included in the park, as well as any liability the Park Board might have.
The park was constructed in 2009, with funds provided through private donations, the Hancock County Commission, state legislators and other sources.
It includes a halfpipe, a quarter pipe, as well as a ramp and a funbox – a combination ramp, bank and rail in a box shape with a flat top.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)