If there's one thing I enjoy in life its being able to reflect on my past experience in business and use that experience for the good of the community.I share that because many years ago I decided I wanted to open up a new version of Billiard Rooms, (Pool Hall) in modern communities. The main problem I faced was the public.
If you pick the right location and you build it right, it can work. Location is the key in the case of a Skate Park. A young man at last night's public hearing stated that we can all come together and find a location we can all agree upon.
So let's think about that for a minute. Things have progressed in the right direction, so far. In my honest opinion, this Skate Park needs to be in a location away from residential. I'm thinking more like Winter Place Park.
OK, I know, it's not in the City. Well, perhaps the City doesn't have the RIGHT location. Matt Maciarello stated last night that the Park needs to be designed for the future as the sport is constantly growing, he's right.
Winter Place Park may not be a skate board ride from home but if you put it on the East side of Salisbury, those who live on the West side will have a problem getting there too. So place it in an area in which parents can bring their kids to enjoy.
John Robinson's proposal is a nice gesture but it will not work. The City/County must own the property. Folks, we're this close to settling a deal. However, a property must be chosen and agreed upon. The Council likes the idea, now you have to come up with a location to make it work.
Clearly the last two choices are not suitable. Through comments I'd like to see you use this Post constructively and tell us what location you think would work best. I couldn't build a Billiard Room in a residential community. THINK, what property does the City own that could work.
Keep in mind that the County isn't ponying up ANY money for this concept. However, the County does have land. They are using the excuse that they are afraid of liability and that's a load of crap. The liability on Skate Parks is minimal, seriously. Is someone going to get hurt, absolutely, that's a given. With the proper restrictions and releases they enjoy at their own risk.
I look forward to seeing your comments. Again, let's make this positive.
How about Linnens of the Week property???
ReplyDeleteIt should not be near any residential area.
ReplyDeleteAlot of skate parks are near other sports parks, does the city own the land that the ball fields are on Pemberton dr by the waste water plant?
ReplyDeleteThere is certainly enough run down property in this city, can they find something to tear down so the park would be a win win?
ReplyDeleteWe needed a roller rink years ago..did the government build it? NO
ReplyDeleteI think the skateboard park is built it should be private.
How about the one in Fruitland. Crown Complex.I dont think the government built that either.
We had private people want to build a water park...that wasnt government either.
Keep the government OUT of businesses our business.
No way would I go anywhere near church st with my kids, so linens of the week is out in my mind. If ireton is so eager to get rid of parking downtown why not use that already paved area. Am I correct that the DNR has final say?
ReplyDeleteHow about the old mall property? Does the city own it yet? When it was a mall every teen in town hung out there.
ReplyDelete6:40, From what I've been able to understand it appears as though the grant which is through the DNR has conditions which must be met concerning the property.
ReplyDeleteWe don't need a skate park. been there done that. Salisbury had one 35 years ago by the civic center-in the corner parking lot by Memorial Plaza and N Park dr. Police were constantly called out, fights always present, and eventually shut down, I believe-that and lack of interest. Save the money. forget about it. Not worth the time trouble or definitely the money.
ReplyDeleteI like the winter place park idea, there is definitely enough room and away from residential! So what if parents have to drive there, maybe the folks in this town who can't get there don't need to be there!
ReplyDeleteI don't see why any parent would complain about having to drive to the skatepark when they are getting it for free. They should be grateful it's there for the children and others to enjoy. And besides what parent wouldn't want to see who and what is going on before allowing their child anyplace?
ReplyDeleteThe Parking lot in the center of salisbury is the perfect location Right in the middle of east and west. From what i've read nobody is going down town anymore. It would give them a place to hang out all night
ReplyDelete" It would give them a place to hang out all night". Well, that in itself may not be healthy. Why not hang out with their families?
ReplyDeleteIf skateboarding were so popular in this area surely there would ALREADY be a private business catering to the needs of the multitudes of boarders!
ReplyDeleteThere is not enough interest to even consider blowing this kind of money to build let alone justify the continued expense of maintenance and liability.
Especially when the city cannot meet its current obligations to taxpaying citizens.
They should consider a project that would benefit a broader spectrum of users first of all, but, with the Obama regime's trickle down poverty,(we are a bankrupt country in every sense of the word) NO municipality should be spending taxpayer money on frivolous entertainment for a select few.
AND DNR of all official organizations! Why not spend the money on downtown sewer infrastructure rehabilitation to clean up the Wicomico river?
Scrap the zoo & put it there! LOL
ReplyDeleteThis investment in a socializing motivating active body is great and is long over due. Don't let the ho hum ignore it attitude take away this chance. Is there a map of city owned properties, you will need space and ease of access. I strongly suggest build in the old mall parking lot. The additional parking for the park will benefit the civic center.
ReplyDeleteAs I explained in my Post, if you build it in the right location and you manage it properly it will work.
ReplyDeleteI do have to agree with some comments, if it was that important it would have been built long ago. I'm a strong believer, (especially in today's economy) that IF it were so necessary, why don't the people who believe it to be that necessary build it themselves at their own expense.
I can see a partnership with the City/County but I do believe it should be a 70/30 or a 50/50 investment by all parties in the very least. This would prove there's a true interest in it.
I look at these kind of projects like I would if one of my kids were to come ask me if I'd buy them a car. I know IF I make them pay for it the vehicle would be well maintained and cared for. IF I just give it to them they wouldn't care anywhere near as much.
I know you are a big supporter of them, but if Mojos doesn't get some better management, they are going to lose their customers. Had the absolute worst meal in there tonight from start to finish. Only thing good about it was the nice waitress that works in their (from Poland) who kept apoligizing, even though I wasn't even at her table. She is a sweetheart. But imo, if you are an owner, and you have customers sitting and waiting for 20 minutes plus before you even visit their table, and you, as the owner, are standing there watching the football game, playing with your phone, and talkin' with the women, rather than jump in and help your shorthanded staff.. then you do not care about your customers, and will lose them. There are plenty of other restaruants out there that will provide good service and certainly much better food than we received tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe county shouldn't pony up any money. They can't even take care of their employees. Besides.....the council majority is too far right. If they won't do right for schools, why are they going to help with entertainment for school kids.
ReplyDelete7:17 PM You are a liar I was there quite a bit and never even heard of a fight!
ReplyDeleteI think the old mall property would be great. There are so many kids skate boarding all over the county. In shopping centers on roadways in parking lots. There needs to be a safe place for the kids and teenagers to have something to do. Salibury is not really kid friendly. What is out there for them to do except get in trouble. I think a skate park is great idea as long as there are rules to follow when there.
ReplyDeleteSomewhere in the city may make sense due to the closeness of SPD. In the County it may put a strain on WCSD because we all know that there will be problems, unfortunately
ReplyDeleteWith all the wasteful spending you adults have allowed $20 million in TIF's, $150 million in a waste water plant when it's done, $900,000. in a fire joke (boat), $1mil to hire more overrated fire truck waxers, I can go on but, let me say this the kids deserve $260,000. don't you think? I mean if they stay in Salisbury there screwed by what you all have done anyway!
ReplyDelete7:17 was right 9:38.
ReplyDeleteThe skatebowl by the civic center and zoo in the 80's was a magnet for drinking, drugs and mayhem. If you were there you know it. You too are right, I don't remember many fights, but there were assaults on the ramp.
It was used by 25 or 30 people for a few years until community leaders and police finally closed it because of the liability, danger, upkeep and lack of use.
About the Mall property... there needs to be shade around. Not enough to rain tree droppings on the bowl, but something there that makes it a daytime usable place; not a desert that is ONLY usable at noght.
ReplyDeleteAugust 9, 2012 9:34 PM
ReplyDeleteWhat does that have to do with a skate park and why is it allowed?
You're going to have problems wherever it(if) is placed.
ReplyDeleteLocation should be somewhat visible to spot any trouble. Away from living areas. Close to convenience stores for snacks and drinks, unless there is one on site.
The old mall parking lot may be a good idea if the rubble can be cleared away and lit. But there are houses nearby as well as stores and restaurants. But there is the housing complex nearby also.
It should be on or near a regular patrol route of police to handle the inevitable trouble. Placing it in one of the lower crimes areas of the city would be a plus.
Like others, I would need to know more detailed info on what properties were available.
The center parking lot would probably be a bad choice due to the shoppers and unattended vehicles. As well as multi-lanes of traffic for peds to traverse to get there. Of course there is private transportation as well as buses. Is that even city owned?
Somewhere in Winter Place might be a good spot if, there is transportation and security.
Near the stadium might be good depending on ownership of property. It might even encourage parents to watch baseball games, and boost ticket sales, while the kids skate.
Any derelict or condemned properties that could be made suitable and cost friendly.
That's about all I got off the top of my head. With the info I have.
Examine how it's been done in the Pacific northwest. Most small towns have a skatepark. Usually right next to the local ballfield. The way you help eliminate riff-raff and crime, is to put it in a wide open area.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't need "shade" to play football or baseball, you don't need shade to skate.
Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
ReplyDeleteWe had one back in the 80's, and it had to be closed.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT THIS TIME??
It didn't fly last time, there is no reason to believe that things will be different now?
put it in the park, on the north side
ReplyDeletewhere the hill would give the boarders necessary elevation
I live near where the suggested skate park is to be located and I myself feel it is a great idea for the Salisbury Park area even though some of the other areas need improvement, but this will keep kids off the streets skateboarding were they shouldn't be...I'm more worried about facilities for restrooms and public parking...I can't wait to see my nieces and nephews skate there. I welcome the skate park!!!!!
ReplyDelete10:29; because I knew it would get read, and wanted to say it when it was fresh on my mind and plus, you can build it, but they wont come if you don't run it right. What are you, the post police?
ReplyDeleteAnother location in the county would be a 1 acre piece that was given to Parks and Recreation 15 years ago. It was given to Gary Mackes for spoil from dredging the harbor in Nanticoke. He never used it and never will.
ReplyDeleteNanticoke Seafood gave it to them , so this shouldn't be a problem, it's out of the way , it's a nice drive to the country .
Many young peolpe in the area skate also.
Something to consider.
Put it in the Naylor Mill Complex.
ReplyDeleteMake the park have ownership by anyone who uses it. This is simple.Community service hrs by anyone who wishes to use it.
ReplyDeleteHow about the former East Salisbury Little League location?
ReplyDeleteSkate park is a waste of money, and the liability is great for being sued when some kid gets hurt.
ReplyDeleteA quarter million dollars is much better served in roads, help for the elderly, homeless, meals on wheels, etc.
ReplyDeleteThis is a total waste of taxpayers money. These kids don't pay for it, they won't take care of it, if it even lasts. Let the skateboarders organize this. Get the donations and volunteers to do the park if they want it bad enough. If they work for it, they will take care of it. I know I took and take much better care of things I paid for from earning the money, than items given to me.
And keep it away from any residential areas as there will be loitering, etc., whether you wish to admit it or not.
That former little league field across the creek from the Zoo also just came into my thoughts. Or mabe closer to the tennis courts in the park. The city park is for sports and recreation. Shouldn't be a problem with DNR and is center located with police cruisers not far away at all times. Not because of expected trouble, we must also keep in mind that there will be injuries, and the fire station at Beaglin Park is close. If someone gets injured it will probably be the police that show up first.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that anytime anybody tries to do anything good for kids in this community the vast majority of people are against it.
ReplyDeleteYou say we should not waste our money on this because the kids will get into fights, cause trouble, and not take care of what we give them. We should not build anything that will attract kids because a lot of kids will start "hanging out" there. They will make a lot of noise and leave a mess behind.
Well here is a news flash for you all - THEY ARE KIDS. THAT IS WHAT KIDS DO. It is the ADULTS job to teach the kids how to act.
And I am not just talking about parents. Yes the lessons need to be taught at home and that does not happen often enough these days. But it is not just up to the parents. And no I don't think parents should just let their kids run wild and expect everyone else to deal with them. Everybody needs to take on the responsibility of teaching the next generation how to be good citizens, good people, RESPONSIBLE adults.
When I was a child there were many, many adults that taught me right from wrong and how to behave, not just my parents. Everyone from my friends parents who would punish me just like my parents would, to Carmen, the old lady that lived across the street, who taught me how to be a good loser. From Mr. & Mrs. Stoneman who taught me how to pull weeds in their garden (value and rewards of hard work) to Mr. McGee who taught me how to make change for a 5 dollar bill and then yelled at me for throwing the newspaper in his flowers. He taught me the importance of doing a job well and making your customers happy.
Not to mention all the teachers, church members, neighbors, police officers (mom worked at the police station) and friends who watched out for me, ratted me out to my parents, corrected me when I did something wrong, praised me when I did something right and shared there knowledge, skills and wisdom with me.
I know you will all say "well times have changed and things are not like that anymore". The reason things are not like that anymore is because we let things be different. Nobody wants to take responsibility for anybody or anything, not even themselves. Everything is always some one else's fault.
Joe is right (this time), a skate park can work. In the right place, with the right people behind it, it would work. It is up to the ADULTS to plan ahead, think about what problems might arise and take steps to either prevent the problems or be prepared to take whatever actions are necessary when problems occur.
Obviously the city would have to hire some people to work at the park. I assume fees to use the skate park would cover those person's salaries. I am sure no one is suggesting that we just build a skate park and not have any adults around to monitor what is going on.
But what about the kids and how they behave. Well that is really, really simple to take care of.
Have a "code of conduct", set of rules or whatever you want to call them. TELL the kids what the rules are. EXPECT the kids to obey the rules, PUNISH them when they don't, and REWARD them when they do.
Yes you will have a few kids that just want to make trouble. You identify them, kick them out, and don't let them come back. Call the cops if you need to. Once the kids see that the rules are going to be enforced the trouble makers won't stick around.
But that means someone will have to be responsible. Which is why this won't work. Not because the kids are bad, or because they will ruin it. But because the ADULTS won't take the responsibility to make it succeed.
(PUNISH them when they don't)
ReplyDeleteWow! Your looking for jail time.
How about next to the dog park?
ReplyDeleteI didn't say abuse them, I said punish them. There is a difference.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, it is possible to punish a child without hitting, striking, or even touching them.
It is possible to punish a child without yelling, calling them names or degrading them.
It is even possible to punish a child and teach them something at the same time.
Hitting them only teaches kids to hit others. Yelling at kids only teaches them to yell at others. Abusing kids only teaches them to abuse others.
Giving kids clear guidelines and rules and then holding them responsible for their own actions will make them RESPOSIBLE people.
The old mall behind the twilley center and by the convention center.
ReplyDeleteGiving kids clear guidelines and rules and then holding them responsible for their own actions will make them RESPOSIBLE people.
ReplyDeleteAugust 10, 2012 3:43 PM
And what do you do when they do not follow your guidelines and rules?
How would you hold the responsible? RESPOSIBLE people?