'I'm so up for it.' Skateboarders jump at chance to raise money for Orrville skate park

ORRVILLE – The city is planning for a skateboarders park, a project that has been on its bucket list for years.

The idea of developing a skate park was brought up more than two decades ago by a group of teens in 2001, during a City Council meeting. Liability concerns postponed further action.

Mayor David Handwerk, who was council president at that time, said by looking at other area parks for skateboarders, those involved noted safety issues, and the council needed more input to assure the safety of anyone who would use the park.

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As years passed and the circle of skateboarders grew, the idea was brought to the forefront and the project is now at the top of the city's list.

“The safety issue is always a concern,” said Parks and Recreation Chairman CJ Handwerk.

New skate park would accommodate all skill levels

To address these concerns, the Parks and Recreation Committee met with professional skateboarders and skateboard shop owners to get input about what to include in a skateboarders park.

“We want to have a park where a beginner can jump in, but also an intermediate and a professional can use, so the park can hit all these different levels of experience,” Handwerk said.

Building a skateboard park can cost between $5,000 to $35,000 depending on the type of concrete and the number of blocks and ramps. The committee looked at parks in Millersburg, Hudson, Wooster and Wadsworth to get ideas for the design and possible layout.

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“That will allow us to put an actual plan and go for companies that build these types of parks and know the cost,” Handwerk said.

The next step will be seeking funds and donations to cover the cost.

The north area of the dog park is a proposed location for Orrville's skate park. It would include a parking lot area that has easy access for EMS vehicles and police in case of emergencies.

Community weighs in on skate park plan at weekend fundraiser

The committee held a skate park fundraiser Saturday, July 16, at North Ella Street.

Skaters and bikers of all ages rode freely as part of the street was closed to motor vehicles during the 3-7 p.m. event. A few ramps and blocks were available for skateboarders to practice their tricks.

“We want to get a better understanding of what the community is looking for,” Handwerk said.

Attendees were able to take a look at two layouts and sign their names on the one they liked more. Small printouts of both designs also were available for people to make modifications or suggestions and return to Handwerk.

Professional skateboarder Doug Brown and professional BMX riders Brant Moore and Ben Lorson led the event by giving free beginner lessons, handing out giveaways and doing some bike tricks.

“I’ve been dreaming of this day,” said Lorson, who was among the teens who first proposed the idea to City Council 21 years ago. “Kids have a dream that they wanna ride and practice, but the fact that they can’t do it here it’s a problem because their parents can’t drive them every day to do it,” he said.

Brown, 49, has been a skateboard pro for 20 years. He helped to establish several skateboarder parks, and now Orrville’s will be one of them.

“I’m happy to be part of this. It’s important for the community to know what skateboard really is,” Brown said.

A safe place to skateboard in Orrville

Brown attended one of the committee meetings, and he said his top priority is not to overbuild the park, but to make it usable at all skill levels.

Moore, 29, said a skate park would be a great addition to the city because skateboarders would have a safe place to go.

“The fact that we are doing this at our ages, when most people are already out of their sport is awesome, and to give people an outlet to do that. This guy will be 50 years old one day and say, 'I got my start at Orrville skateboard park',” Moore said.

As much as skateboarders showed an interest in having the park, several parents also expressed the need for one.

Linda Yungen, grandmother of two BMX riders, Dylan and Drew Alexander, said her grandchildren started practicing the sport more than two years ago.

“Every time they need to practice, they had to drive to Wooster,” Yungen said. So, she contacted Councilman Darrell Mosley.

“It’s gonna be cool,” said 14-year-old Drew Alexander. “It’s an opportunity for people to get to know more about skateboards and bikes.”

Liam Conley, 17, said skateboarding is different than any sport he played. He enjoys learning new tricks or simply riding it around and exploring the city.

“I’m so up for it,” Conley said.

The coming few months will be crucial for the skate park planners as members hope to ultimately open the skate park in the fall of 2023.

“We are planning a lot of fundraising this year and then as soon as the weather breaks, digging, and concrete layouts, all these types of things will take place during spring and summer months,” Handwerk said.

Individuals, businesses and corporations can donate at City Hall or contact Handwerk at 330-465-6982.

The city is open to discussing naming rights with donors who show interest.

“This is a huge investment and will bring more people to town and provide a service for people who don’t have (a skate park) in their town,” Handwerk said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Pros and kids show their skills at fundraiser for Orrville skate park