Delaware State News
DOVER — A proposal to build a skating park got a push Monday, but not in the direction some of its supporters had hoped.
The Dover Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee endorsed the idea of creating a temporary facility for skateboarding and other forms of skating, but it recommended against using the former Capitol Cleaners site at 411 S. Governors Ave., for that purpose. In so doing, it rejected a potential project site that may be the most popular skateboarding location in the city.
The Capitol Cleaners property is paved and vacant, making it a favorite with skateboarders, who have no city-sanctioned spot for their sport. But the private parcel — where skateboarding is officially unwelcome, but is a frequent scene of skating, nonetheless — is too close to historic sites, committee member Ann Baker-Horsey said. And a neighboring businessman complained that skaters leave trash behind and occasionally fill the air with expletives.
"You can go out there now and see broken skateboards at that site," said David Braun of Braun Engineering and Surveying, located just south of the property. "Also, there’s trash all over the place. It’s probably not all the skateboarders’, but they’re not cleaning up."
A volunteer group, Dover Public Skatepark Committee, has been working for about two years to convince City Council to build a permanent facility. It recently decided to pursue creation of a temporary park, which would be replaced after the economy improves.
It suggested three temporary locations: Capitol Cleaners and two city parking lots, one on South West Street and the other at Schutte Park on Hazlettville Road. But city planning director Ann Marie Townshend said converting a portion of a parking lot could leave fewer available parking spaces than required.
However, City Manager Anthony J. DePrima indicated Silver Lake Park may have a large-enough parking area to accommodate both motorists and skaters.
City Councilwoman Sophia R. Russell, who chairs the parks committee, said Silver Lake could prove to be an ideal location. But Dover recreation director Zachery C. Carter said he would like the Silver Lake Commission to weigh in on the subject.
"Any site we choose, there’s probably a sacrifice involved," said Chris Asay, a member of the volunteer committee.
He predicted later that Monday’s decision will disappoint skaters, "but we’re glad to have the endorsement of the concept" of a temporary park, which would be constructed with volunteer labor and donated materials.
E. Stuart Outten Jr., head of Capitol Cleaners, expressed surprise upon learning the committee recommended against using his company’s property. Earlier, he had indicated willingness to consider helping with the project.
"The kids need some activities," he said prior to the meeting. "I think skateboarding is a good thing. I’m open to making it happen for them."
He said he posted the property as off-limits to skaters and suspects he may be sued if someone is injured there, despite the posting. But he said he was working with Mr. DePrima and skateboarding advocates Dean Holden and Eugene Stone on a possible city-run skateboarding center.
Mr. DePrima said during the meeting that one option was Mr. Outten’s allowing the city to use the parcel temporarily in exchange for being reimbursed for taxes paid on it.
A final decision on whether — and where — to create a skating facility would come from the nine-member City Council.
Two council members who serve on the parks committee, Ms. Russell and Kenneth L. Hogan, voted in Monday’s 4-0 decision. Ms. Baker-Horsey and David A. Lewis Jr. cast the other votes.
