A skate park in Dormont, proposed by a grieving mother who lost two sons in a drowning accident, has supporters -- and detractors -- in that community.

But those factions appear to be moving together after a council meeting Monday, where representatives of both sides had plenty to say.

Council will have the final say about permitting the proposed skate park in Dormont Park and, if approved, the borough will pay for insurance. But the park will be paid for by fundraisers and grants. At issue is its location, and the park's architect is working on that.

The skate park proposal is being spearheaded by former resident Mary Pitcher, now of Scott, as a way to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen, 19, who drowned while on a camping trip with family July 15, 2008, in the Allegheny National Forest.

Both young men were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who grew up in Dormont and were extreme sports enthusiasts.

As proposed, the park, designed by John Buerkle of Pashek Associates, would be built near Memorial Drive and would cost about $250,000. Saturday, a fundraiser, the Pitcher Park Music Festival held at South Park Amphitheater, raised more than $4,000. Mr. Buerkle presented his plans for the skate park at a council meeting July 27. However, after some residents complained that it was too close to a number of homes on Memorial Drive, council said that Mr. Buerkle should alter his design.

On Monday, skate park supporter and former Dormont resident Danielle Graham pleaded with the audience to look past the stereotypes sometimes associated with skateboarders.

"I think it's important to make sure that your reasons are based on facts and not stereotypes of what kind of kids are attracted to this kind of environment,'' Ms. Graham said.

She said she is in favor of anything that will get young people to "productively participate" in the community.

Some Memorial Drive home-owners said they are concerned about possible reductions in property values, loss of green space and more crime and graffiti.

Still, Memorial Drive resident Dee Krugh explained that, although she has some reservations, she was not opposed to the idea of a skate park, just its proposed location.

"I understand this spot across from the homes looks good, but if you lived in our house ... it [would be] very difficult. There is a larger area elsewhere in the park. Perhaps, [Buerkle] will bring a different and [acceptable] proposal. ... If it can be placed somewhere [less invasive to my privacy], then we can find a compromise,'' Ms. Krugh said.

Park supporter Lauren Karabasz, of Dormont, a teacher, extended the good will.

"If we can get this thing moved so that it doesn't affect anyone [adversely], that would be the best scenario. We want to bring everybody together, not cause problems."

Mrs. Pitcher gave a lengthy and, at times, emotional explanation of her plan and how she followed guidelines from the Tony Hawk Foundation for getting a skate park built. She also said she had talked to council before she started working on the project.

Mrs. Pitcher said a skate park would not only be a memorial to her sons; it would also be good for all youth of the community.

Resident Jeff Fabus concluded the meeting to a round of applause, reminding: "Confucius said the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Tonight, we took that step ... so guys, just keep working together and find a spot for this park.''

Councilwoman Laurie Malka believes that there will be enough room in Dormont Park to move the skate park away from homes, while preserving its original design.

She also said the park will offer an excellent alternative recreational activity for teenagers in Dormont.

Council will vote after it reviews the new design.