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bluemtnrunner

Beach Fanatic
Dec 31, 2007
1,486
144
I'm in, let me know what I can do.

There is a small park in Sarasota that we have gone to. As a parent I liked the fact that it was fenced in, the kids signed in at the "gatehouse". If they had a member pass (a picture id) and a helmet, they went right on in, all of their emergency contact info was already on file. Membership was $30 a year. If they did not have a pass then their parent had to check them in and give all of the emergency contact info.
As a skater, my son liked that he could just go there whenever he wanted to and skate till he dropped (or drop in till he dropped).

It wasn't supervised to the point that there was a lifeguard on duty, looking over and blowing whistles if they went too high, too fast or whatever but if some kid went down hard, there was someone there who could make level headed decisions and had all of the necessary phone numbers to get help.
 

wrobert

Beach Fanatic
Nov 21, 2007
4,132
575
63
DeFuniak Springs
www.defuniaksprings.com
Hi all,

I'm new to the area and glad to be here. I'd be even more happy if there was a skatepark. Skateparks, well built concrete ones, are a boon for communities across the country. I personally have been to over a hundred across the states and more in other countries. I have traveled hundreds of miles specifically to skate, regardless of where, as many skateparks are in localities distinctly lacking any other attraction. Donald, OR, pop. 978 or so, has an excellent skatepark, which by the way is almost always occupied 24/7/365. I can't say the same for their football field.

This has probably already been mentioned but the county Recreational board meets monthly to deal with recreational plans, issues, and programs. Has anyone approached them to see what the feeling would be on moving along with something like this? It is all my 14 year old son talks about, so I do not see why something can not at least be studied.
 

Bobby J

Beach Fanatic
Apr 18, 2005
4,041
601
Blue Mountain beach
www.lifeonshore.com
This has probably already been mentioned but the county Recreational board meets monthly to deal with recreational plans, issues, and programs. Has anyone approached them to see what the feeling would be on moving along with something like this? It is all my 14 year old son talks about, so I do not see why something can not at least be studied.

They have been approached at various times but my understanding is we will need to get an organized plan to show more community support. This is all good when we are at home sitting in front of the computer but we have had problems when we ask folks to step to the plate. Hopefully, this will not be one of those issue. We will see. We have one person that has said they will come. I may have to pm all on this thread to see who is serious in helping this dream become a reality.
 

Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert
Nov 18, 2004
31,644
1,773
Bobby, I'll sign the petition, but I'm not the driving force you are looking for. My skating skills are very limited to flat, level ground. Old bones don't heal so quickly.
 

Bobby J

Beach Fanatic
Apr 18, 2005
4,041
601
Blue Mountain beach
www.lifeonshore.com
Bobby, I'll sign the petition, but I'm not the driving force you are looking for. My skating skills are very limited to flat, level ground. Old bones don't heal so quickly.

Not sure I am looking for just skaters. I think we are looking for people that will help the county see why this would be a good idea. I have all the info we will need, we just need a strong group to assimilate it and help put it in front of the right people.
 

scottalderson

Beach Comber
Jun 27, 2007
46
1
bobby - i'm in dude! kids come first and i will offer any help i can in assisting in this project. i went to the first skate park in sofla back in the 70's with my HOMEMADE board. i want to see the other public park amenities come to fruition as well, especially a community pool, but like one poster said "the tweeners" group needs their skate park and this group of kids may actually represent the majority as you suggest.

i will offer my services as a cook for any type of creative fundraiser - maybe a concert/bbq/skate festival thing?

post the meeting time and place and i will be there and i officially pledge $200.

nice work bobby.
 

jodiFL

Beach Fanatic
Jul 28, 2007
2,469
744
SOWAL,FL
If we want to get in on the planning meetings about this possibly being included in the expansion @ McCall they are already planning meetings and have a developer on board, we need to jump on this..........
Land-use workshops to be held for proposed park expansion
January 15, 2008 Sean Boone

With the proposed 10-acre expansion of Helen McCall Park, Walton officials have scheduled three public workshops later this month to find out what residents want at the park.

The workshops are being held at the South Walton Annex building conference room on Jan. 28, 30 and Feb. 1. The January dates will meet at 6 p.m. and the February date at 4 p.m.

“We are working with a team of master planners to develop the public workshops,” said Walton County Commissioner Cindy Meadows. “Monday, Wednesday and Friday the designers will be available (outside of the workshops) to listen to citizens’ input. By the end of the week of workshops, we will have a preliminary master plan.”
 

Jdarg

SoWal Expert
Feb 15, 2005
18,039
1,984
Here is the schedule:

Public Workshops for Design of Helen McCall Park - SoWal Beaches Forum

I believe playing field expansion, facilities (restrooms/parking), and playground are on for the first "go-around". I attended the meeting at Cindy Meadow's office right before Christmas, and a skate park and pool were mentioned, but not for this first expansion. Maybe SGB or Supermom will see this and can comment further.
 

bluemtnrunner

Beach Fanatic
Dec 31, 2007
1,486
144
How many of us can get to the meeting on Monday? I can be there.
 
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