Council takes second look at skatepark site
Photo
The Janesville City Council will consider a proposal to use this empty lot next the the batting cages at 937 S. Jackson as a site for a skate park. The lot was formerly a kitchen remodeling business.
JANESVILLE — The proposed skatepark site in Palmer Park is up for review.
City council President Amy Loasching put the item on Monday’s agenda, suggesting the council consider the batting cage site at 937 S. Jackson St.
The city did not own the Jackson Street site in 2005 when the Palmer Park decision was made.
The property used to be called Swingers, and Janesville Youth Baseball now operates the batting cages there on a one-year lease.
Loasching said at a recent listening session with residents that the site is in a target area and possibly could qualify for federal funds. Councilman Bill Truman noted that a bathroom and parking lot also are available.
At least two other council members contacted Loasching asking that that the council reconsider the Palmer Park site because of the possibility of grant money, Loasching said Friday.
The area also might be more centrally located than Palmer Park and closer to lower-income kids, they said.
The skatepark committee, though, continues to support the Palmer Park location, which is on the north side of Palmer Drive and about 600 feet west of the pet exercise area.
The skatepark committee is at the fair this week hoping to raise more money, said Roger Streich, chairman. The group has had difficulty raising money.
Fern Streich said the committee has about $22,000 in cash and pledges for the concrete pad.
Roger Streich hopes to raise $250,000 to $300,000, and any city support would be a “blessing,” he said Friday.
His committee prefers Palmer Park because it is on the bike trail and near other family oriented recreational facilities, parking and restrooms.
Neighbors in the Palmer Park area, though, oppose the Palmer Park site because they fear it would add to congestion.
The Palmer Park site was controversial when it was approved in 2005, and the council vote was 4-3.
The leisure services committee had recommended a site across from Lions Beach. A committee member later resigned in frustration after the council ignored the committee’s advice.
The committee had examined 23 sites, and one was the batting cage-site area, Mike Williams, leisure services director, said in a memo. The city did not then own the property.
The property is listed in city plans as a potential redevelopment site.
The city owns 1.6 acres on the east side of South Jackson Street between the river and the batting cages, Williams said.
The council vote to change the site at this point would require a super majority of five.
Jul 31, 2008 at 10:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
I am a 30 year old skater with 4 and 7 year olds who will more than likely skateboard. I like the Palmer Park location. Roger and Fern have worked very hard on this project as they did for the Peace Park and they are getting the same negative feedback they did when the fundraising was going on for that. I also am in support of the Pet walking area as well. I do think both areas could co-exist. I think its funny since the whole Aquatic Center thing that the city has been looking for room at Palmer and now we are getting our spot taken away. The Comittee at one time just wanted to utilize the unused Tennis courts in the same area for the Skatepark (which is not just for skateboards but bikes, inline and scooters etc.) but for some reason the city didnt like the idea to use the already there concrete. Skateboarding is no longer just a fad and grows larger every year. The X Games steadily gain more viewers and riders and skateboard and BMX sales are steady. I have been to the parks in Delavan and Beloit and many other parks around the area and the kids respect something that is "holy" to them. Before I had a license I would have skated from anywhere to get my wheels on some real ramps and rails. Theese kids need some support and there is more than 5%. You may not see the kids as they have to go to other cities/areas do to the Skateboard Ban plus there is nothjing to ride here. Just remember kids are kids they all have groups of trouble makers. I am tired of other sports getting whatever they want because they "need" more space to play. I know that Dawson field ejects a lot of players of the year do to foul language and drinking. Every sport has its "Bad Eggs"...from dog fighters, drug users, fights, bad language, etc. I have friends whom I skate with that are Lawyers, Doctors, Teachers, Union Workers, Top COmpany Salesmen, etc. Please break down the wall that skaters are all a bunch of vandals and trouble makers.
Jul 27, 2008 at 9:05 a.m.
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I do not support this park anyplace. The Dog park should stay a dog park. The "kids" have enough stuff in this city for them.
Jul 26, 2008 at 4:41 p.m.
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Why not put where GM is, there is plenty of space for the kids to skate, and I am sure GM will sell it for a cheap price and I am hearing it will be available soon.
Jul 26, 2008 at 2:43 p.m.
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I’ve never understood the decision to put the skate park at the Palmer Park location. That area is one of the few that actually looks like a real park, with trees, a creek, and some hills. So let’s pour some cement on it? It just doesn’t make sense to me. People enjoy that Palmer park area for grilling out, playing volleyball, and walking their dogs. I think the new location makes more sense as it already has some development in the area and would be less likely to interfere with a natural setting. I also think the current location is part of the reason the city is having a hard time raising money. Lastly, I question the need for a skate park at all. I rarely see skaters and when I do they are generally not representing themselves well. Is Janesville looking to copy other cities or to do what’s best for Janesville?
Jul 26, 2008 at 12:08 p.m.
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I think this is a good idea. There is no other immediate potential use for this except open space, and as Councilman Truman noted, the batting cage bathrooms and parking lot are already there. This is also a central site that is close to downtown, which is where many of the complaints about skateboarding arise.
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It's also possible that there would have been objections due to its proximity to Screamin' Meemees, which is now permanently closed.
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That said, the situation still seems to hold that the skateboarding community committed to raising funds and has not really succeeded in doing so. If they want a park, they had better step up.
Jul 26, 2008 at 12:04 p.m.
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I, at one time, supported this park. This summer has made me realize that, most, skate boardes are inconsiderate, foul mouthed property damaging litter bugs. I hate to catagorize but, as a past skate boarder, I notice them, pay attention to their actions and am not impressed. I don't know who they consider a leader but this person has to reel them in.
Jul 26, 2008 at 11:44 a.m.
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The skate park HAS to be located in an open, high traffic area, for safety reasons. The Palmer Park location seems very secluded.
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