Oh give them the money,we support every other loser thing in the city such as the Ice Rink, The childrens museum and the bike tunnel!! This city has so much money it can support every whim of every person who wants something!! We are like Santa give give give!! don't worry where the money comes from, the city council doesn't!!!

I have no problem with a skate park or with the kids who attend them. However, the money should be mostly donated and the location should not ruin an otherwise, or mostly natural setting.

Loose357, I highly doubt youve donated ANYTHING to ANYTHING! Youre an ignorant, judgemental, fool. You should stick to the barstool, something Im sure you are very near and dear to. Your comment about Rob Dyrdek dressing "like a gangbanger and flashing gang signs" shows just how pathetically ignorant you are. He dresses in clothes from his SPONSORS!!! He is the FOUNDER of the Los Angeles Safe-spot skatespots. Im sure you didnt READ anything just looked at the pics, typical ignorant fool that you are. He build these skateparks in LA for the youth to help keep them out of trouble. Do some real research, which isnt just looking at pictures, before you pass judgement.

The idea of an outdoor skatepark in Jvl is so that the kids can get to it without having to rely on a ride. That would mean they are getting exercise and not polluting the environment. How many baseball parks are around town? Are there enough players to fill them at one time? How many walk and how many drive to get there? Skateboarders are a minority, that doesn't mean they should be denied a place to enjoy their activity.

I believe that even if the money were available, the City would find a way to block the park. The stereotypes surrounding these kids are so solid and deep in the minds of our residents, I doubt they can be changed.

A friend of mine told me that her son, a skateboarder, had a football coach tell him that he probably doesn't participate in football because it cuts into his time to "smoke weed."
How rude, yet so classically Janesville.

Should this kid ever decide he needs some "weed," I've been told several members of the high school football team could provide the necessary connections. I wouldn't be so sure all kids in organized sports are "good."

There seems to be a lot of fear over what happens at skateparks. Find out for yourself. Spend an hour in Whitewater, Delavan, Lake Geneva, Beloit, etc.

Good luck with this. It was bad enough we had a new ice arena rammed down our throats. I feel for local kids, but at the same time there are plenty of people in the area that can't even afford to buy a skateboard for theirs. I suggest talking with Tony Hawk. He's helped other cities get skate parks. I'm sure if supporters explain how dire our situation is around here, then maybe you'd get some big guns to come out and help get it done. That said, for now anyway, there are very few big money donors and tax payers are already fed up.

My 16 year old likes skateboarding and the drive from Milton to Beloit is a hike. I work in Beloit and in the summer when I drive by the skatepark there it is packed.
I love the shallow mentality of people that judge kids that skate as pot heads...yes, some do, but take a look at your local kids football, basketball, hockey teams...wake up people some of those kids smoke pot too.

If Beloit is the great, safe, happening community some of your defend, it should be no problem to drive the 10 mins to use their skateboard park......

You are going to be in luck soon, loose357, pretty soon you will be able to pay your $7.00 and do your drugs at the new ice ring. Oh, that's right by your thinking, sports crowds are all bad.
What sports field are you talking about? You not talking about the one that they had a beer tent up for the 4th of July? Selling drugs, how could support a place like that??

svrwthr, the BMX track was always being used, I raced alot on that track back then, the city just decided to sell it because just like Janesville, they don't want to see kids have some good fun, I think they should just pay the money and help the kids out, we are already in debt from the last idiot that ran the city so why not go in more debt.

They dont go to the pipeskate park because as it says on its web site "the pipes drug and smoke free environment along with safe adult supervision makes the pipe a great place to have fun and hang out." So you can't go there and do drugs or smoke plus there will be someone there to supervise and cost $7.00 on top of it. Seems to have made my point. Cause why drive and spend $7.00 in gas when you could stay right here and spend the money to get into a safe park with a clean atmosphere. Hmmmm.

I am not saying that there are not bad eggs in every sport but if you look at the percentages of the drug users in say youth baseball and skaters which one do you think has the greater percentage of kids that get into trouble. As for if I know some of these guys, I looked them up: Rob Dyrdek, dresses like a gangbanger and flashes gang signs. Ryan Sheckler, Paul Rodriguez both seem like decent enough kids but came from money they had personal skate parks to practice in. Like I said not all are bad but most. I have met several guys that I worked with that were into the skating and BMX and everyone was a pot smoker and a slacker. Maybe that is why he can't raise any money cause most the people that this would benefit either spend their money on dope or are to lazy to actually participate in a fundraiser. As far as me not caring for the kids? I have donated thousands of dollars over the years toward highschool and youth sports. Even sports I do not care for. Why? because a majority of these kids are good kids. I have never met a skater I could tolerate for more that 5 minutes. It doesnt matter there is little interest in a skate park and it probably wont and shouldnt happen unless this so called skating community can come up with some serious funding.

Why can't the kids just use the Beloit skatepark?

Anyone remember what happened to the BMX park? I need not remind you then what will happen to the skate park if it is every built.

Roger, you've lost my support for the skatepark as soon as you snubbed your nose at the Jackson street location. Beggars can't be choosers, but good luck to you as you beg for the remaining funds.

Were in a bad time with the fall of the market,General Motors and others groups that were supplying G.M. closing up. These pet projects should be put on the back burner for ever.

If they want the skate board park that bad, put on more fund raising events.

BTW--maybe there have been no negative stories because of preventive measures already in place. Do you know? You seem to be very challenging in this area so I assume you must know?

lovethemidwest-I have no idea. As someone who is a youth specialist, I will tell you that it is only the best interest of prevention to have the extra patrols. I do not live in Janesville nor Beloit. My only concern would be the safety of the kids and others using the park. It would be prudent to offer extra patrols in areas where it is known the kids congregate--for the safety of the kids. Do you know what kind of people hang out in places where they know kids are, unsupervised? I don't mean this in a negative manner at all, only in a preventive way. I would hope that any community having such a facility would take the responsibility in making sure the children there are safe.

Ah, but is it? Does Beloit have extra patrols for their skate park? Havent seen one, not a one, story about anything negative coming out of their skate park. Have you?

lovethemidwest--actually I would hope any community that puts in any sort of facility that attracts unsupervised, large number of kids would add some extra patrolling of the area. Unfortunately, no matter what that facility is (skateboard park, regular park, etc) it will attract unwanted attention by those who shouldn't be there--adults and kids. So while the original comment may have been made by another in reference to the skateboarders themselves and while I don't completely agree with that--I would agree that extra patrolling of the area would be needed and justified!

If kids are losing interest, then they are not being lead effectively. I ran a non profit for over 8 years working with youth. We had to fundraise on a consistent basis to meet our goals and accomplish great things. If this group wants to succeed then they need to attach themselves with a larger organization that can help them fundraise effectively, assist them in grant writing and give them a basis on how to undertake such a large project. Without that the group will fail or ineffectively continue to strive towards an unattainable goal.

I like to ride my bike at the skate parks. I can pop wheelies and everything.

Those interested in using the skatepark are from 4 to 30+ yrs old. The youngest don't understand why after doing 10 fundraisers the skatepark isn't built. The kids lose interest; maybe that's why the organized sports only last 8-12 weeks. I wish everyone that supports the skatepark would help with the fundraising, it's not as easy as you think. (Yes I've helped with fundraising for lots of other projects so I am speaking from experience.) The kids can't do it alone and aren't expected to but it takes interested adult volunteers too. So if you agree that building a skatepark would be a nice addition to Jvl then go to the city council meeting Monday night at 7. I plan to go to show my support and I don't have kids.

oops meant to say **such as the YMCA in building a youth center

BTW Streich may get farther if he partners with another youth organization, such as the YMCA is builing a youth center which would house a skatepark. This may eliminate a lot of the city's concerns. The park would be managed and overseen on a regular basis.

loose 357: So you are telling me that the kids that play organized sports is the all American kid. And now that same kid who uses the bike and skate park just became a pot head and undesirable kid. Your head must be up your ? That tells me that you have very little love for our young adults. I feel sorry for you.

While I applaud Streich's efforts, he isn't going to get far with the city. Skateparks are very hard to get into a city~~the do not generate income, cost money to maintain, and require high insurance coverage. He needs to get people to commit to donating money and bring it forward to the city. Without that, the city will likely not budge. I understand the hours he spent and he may be frustrated, but he has to work within the system and not try to fight it every step of the way. The city will only see him as a nuisance and not be willing to work with him. I worked many, many years running a non profit~~getting sponsors, working with the city (not Janesville) etc. There are certain ways to go about what you are trying to accomplish. BTW having only raised $26,000 since 2005 is not alot~~sorry but it's not. Many groups have to raise that every year, every quarter, etc. I think Streich needs to step back evaluate the situation and utilize his options more effectively.

Great post wahoo_35. The hockey part was especially hilarious!

Lets try to follow loose357's logic, as limited as it is.
"As Far as the X Games are concerned. Have you looked at those who compete it that. Most are high school drop outs and pot smokers. I am sorry but the skate crowd is not a desirable crowd."
(Quoted from his statement)
Then equally can be said:
Most Golfers cheat on their wives.
Most Football players believe in killing dogs.
Most Baseball players support drug use.
Most Basketball players think rape is ok.
Most NASCAR drivers drive while drunk.
Most Hockey players...well who cares about Hockey anyways? Maybe they pee in the snow?
And thus any sports crowd is undesirabe.
Hopefully once loose357's beer buzz wears off he will rethink his logic.

loose357, do you have ANY proof of your ignorant sterotyping? How many "extra patrols" did Beloit have to implement for their skatepark? Can you answer that? Didnt think so! As far as your pot head comment, that just shows how ignorant and uninformed you really are. Ever heard of Rob Dyrdek, ryan shekler, Paul Rodriguez, etc.....? Maybe you shouldnt run your ignorant mouth about something you know nothing about. Maybe you should stick to which bar stool fits your fat rear end better.

Booch11, not very good at math are you? Heres what you said-"levitt said the city would give 50k if streich raises 250k by the end of last year.
i think that's fair. at the rate streich is going, he should have 30,000 by the end of 2010. that's $230,000 short!"
_____
UMMMMM..... $250,000-$30,000= $220,000 short not $230,000.

I would like to thank Mr. Streich for his efforts, but in Janesville, I think it's a lost cause, and I am disappointed.

I will continue to drive my child to skateparks in other cities, and I will continue to spend money at stores and restaurants in those cities. Janesville doesn't need the money anyway.

In Janesville, if it doesn't have to do with football, baseball, hockey, dogs or beer, it's not really a priority.

RE: The X Games & "Most are high school drop outs and pot smokers." What? If the news I read is any indication, the professional athletes in traditional sports appear to be a bunch of philandering, drug using, dog killing creeps. What great examples for our children!

And to the person who believes skateparks not promoting teamwork, you are uninformed. There is a great sense of community among the participants as they work to improve and help each other out.

I don't see the "Us vs. Them" mentality that exists in team sports either, where the Packers hate the Vikings, etc.

I have comments about organized sports. Do you realize how much money it takes to put your child in organized sports. A start up cost for many of sports is 450.00. Many families across the city can not afford to put there child in organized sports. There is a fee for every organized sport played here in Janesville. The skate park is free to every family in the area. Many children try out for organized sports but do not make the team. What do we do with those kids. Organized sports a child only plays up to 3 hrs a week for 10 weeks. What does the child do with the rest of there time. They can go to the skate park. I hope you skate park bashers stop and take a moment about all the kids who are left out or bored now because the game is over and now nothing to do that doesn't cost money.

Again, if there was such a big support for this sport, more money would have been easily raised. 6 years ago, the economy was running pretty good, and if you couldn't get financial support from the community then, you aren't going to get it now. Mr. Streich, why don't you petition one of the many famous wealthy skateboarders to step up and support this great sport?

Better get started then Eggs, be careful the roads are slippery. I have driven to the skateparks in Beloit, Whitewater, Delavan, Lake Geneva and Madison they all have been busy and clean. They are not busy all of the times, but neither is the sports complex. The city should support all youth sports the same if there is x amount of dollars split it equally between all the groups.

That would be a dream come true to see a skatepark in Janesville. I remember about 8 years ago when all 3 of my boys enjoyed skateboarding for many years. It was a great time for them and they met some nice friends along the way who had the same interest. It was a way for kids to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise. For those that didn't care to skateboard as much, well it would be beneficial to them just as well because they could enjoy watching those that did. It would keep fustrated and bored kids out of trouble and also to get them off their rear ends and be active. It would be wonderful to build an area where the family and friends could sit down and watch kids do their stunts. My suggestion would be to build a nice area at Palmer Park, charge just a little ( 50 cents to a dollar each time, or a yearly pass ) for each person who wants to skate and let this money go towards the maintenace of the skatepark. May your wishes come true Roger Steich and for all the kids who enjoy this wonderful sport but have no place to go. Best of luck to all of you.

I can ride my bike no handed for like 200 miles.

Roger Streich has only raised $26,000 in the last 5-6 years and wonders why the city council is not firm on a site or any city money going toward this skate park. He has not been able to hold up his end of the deal when they approved a skate park in palmer park. There is little interest for a skate park in Janesville. His arguments about other team sports is off. Do we have to have extra patrols and security for little league games, NO! But we will at a skate park, because like it or not a good portion of the teen and young adult skate crowd tend to be involved with drugs and also do not have quality employment to help fund the upkeep of the park. If you look at the skate park in Beloit, rarely is there young kids at the park it is mainly a 15 and over crowd. At the sports park during the youth football there are hundreds of kids using the fields and there are sponsors for each team. We do not need a skate park for the handfull of people that will use it. As Far as the X Games are concerned. Have you looked at those who compete it that. Most are high school drop outs and pot smokers. I am sorry but the skate crowd is not a desirable crowd.

Gilly - The skateboarders are restricted from using 'public sidewalks and parking lots' downtown. They aren't even allowed to skate to school and put the board in their lockers.
Are team sports restricted from using public sporting facilities?

Downtown businesses complained that damage to property was becoming extensive, the kids are fined if found on business property that are 'posted'. The businesses aren't willing but should put up some money for a skatepark; fine the kids for being on business property AFTER the skatepark is built.

Not all kids want to be on team sports.

Maybe the Olmpics shouldn't be held any more since they are 90-95% (my estimate) INDIVIDUAL events. Have you seen the Xgames featuring BMX bikes, skateboarding and snowboarding? The athletes participating range in age from 16 to late 20's or early 30's. They probably started practicing at 4-15 yrs old.

If I could designate my tax money it would be to the skatepark not the ice area or sports complex.

I'm sure if Mr Streich had enough room on his property for the skatepark he would build it there. Wait, another road block; city ordinance won't allow it or the council won't approve it.

Isnt the skate place behind the old walmart building (Hobby Lobby now) still there?

I talked to Mr Streich once when he was trying to raise money. I mentioned I thought the Jackson St. site was a really good spot and he went into a spiel about how only the Palmer site would do. I disagree so no money from me!

If they announce that beer will be sold there, then support will follow.

sarahb1,
please take a picture the next time you see 10-40 people there.

The batting cages were picked up for a song after the operator went out of business.
.
The skate park is getting the same deal that the ice arena backers are getting. Raise some money and we'll help with the rest and get a better public facility for combining with private efforts. I have much greater confidence in the ice arena showing up with the cash.
.
The bike tunnel is the city on the other side. We have a time-limited grant that we can use if WE kick in some money -- less than half. The rest comes from a fund that will be used by other cities if we don't. It is not for a narrow group, it is for safety for all users of the trail and E. Milwaukee St. which is a large portion of the city.

i have seen the skateboard park in beloit.
tons of kids?
a few on any given day.
and i've seen it with graffiti on my way in to see a baseball game.

if such intense interest exists, then why has streich only been able to raise 26k in six years?
levitt said the city would give 50k if streich raises 250k by the end of last year.
i think that's fair. at the rate streich is going, he should have 30,000 by the end of 2010. that's $230,000 short!
if there is this little interest, why should the city give a penny to this cause?

on Jackson St.----The ( Bad side of town)

Then maybe they shouldn't own the batting cages? (the city owns them)

I agree that the current economic situation should be considered. Obviously the city council wouldnt be getting any kickbacks and/or have any personal interests in this skatepark. As they do with the ridiculous ice arena project. Not much money to be made for good buddies of the council, J.P. Cullen and Rock Road, on a skatepark compared to the ever necessary ice arena.

Memo to Mr. Streich: If you are that committed to kids having a place to skate, take your $26K and build a skate park in your own yard. It is not the responsibility of the taxpayers, particularly in this economy, to provide your children with a taxpayer funded day care.

wow-if you can build a non-needed parking structure and a non-needed ice arena why not a small amount for this? Does the "city" have an ax to grind here?

booch11, stereotyping just a little maybe? Ever seen the skatepark in Beloit? Obviously not. Theres always a ton of kids there and never seems to be any trouble and no graffiti as you claim would be the case. In case you havent noticed the graffiti artists of JVL have plenty of other canvasses to do their dirty work on, they dont need a skate park for that.

Not to mention that right now is not a very good time for anybodies purse strings. Want vs. need should rule the day, unless of course it's an ice arena, because we really needed that.

We are in a recession, do we really need a skateboard park? Those are luxury items when and if the economy turns around. The city council needs to get smart with the taxpayer's money.

Mr. Streich, Don't wait for your ship to come in, swim out after it. Do you really want city money, with all the strings attached? Maybe you can go ask the construction people if they have any land they're not using. The people with the scrapers and shapers can get the land ready for the concrete people. The builder people could get you a shelter of some sort, too.

that sign showing how much money the skateboard people have raised has been near zero for three years. if there was actual interest in this project, money would've been donated.
typical, groups like this cannot generate money or interest so they go to the government.
the skatepark will be used by a few kids and will be full of graffiti before you can say jack robinson.
it was, is and forever shall be a waste of taxpayer money.

City council can propose a $600,000 bike tunnel that could be replaced by a much cheaper crosswalk but cant do a thing for a skatepark? Why? We want our kids to get out and exercise insted of play video games and surf the web but nobody wants to commit to something that could help besides Mr. Streich. Come on, do something for the kids. There is nothing in this town for kids between 12 and 21 besides "cruise the circut". If it could prevent even one kid from trying drugs I think its worth it!