After listening to supporters and detractors speak out about a proposed skate park, Dormont Borough Council last night gave the designer of the park more time to revise his plans.

Nearly 100 people gathered in the gymnasium adjacent to the Dormont City Council chambers last night to get an update on the proposed park that would be built in Dormont Park near Memorial Drive.

When the skate park was last discussed at a committee meeting Aug. 10, the issue provoked heated exchanges between supporters and those opposed to the park's construction. Although some residents oppose the idea of building a skate park in Dormont, much of the strongest opposition comes from residents of Memorial Drive, who believe the proposed Pitcher Park is close to their homes.

Last night, more than 30 enthusiastic supporters, many with young children in tow, came to the meeting with signs bearing slogans like, "Dormont not Dormant," "Let's do it for our kids," and "Skateboarding is not a crime."

A long line of attendees snaked around the gym waiting for their turn to speak, most of them overwhelmingly in favor of the skate park. One supporter, Lauren Karabasz, presented council with a petition signed by 824 Dormont residents in support of the skate park. She said that 28 local businesses were also on board with the plan.

Previously the skate park's architect, John Buerkle of Pashek Associates, was given the task by the council of altering his proposed layout in a way that would move the skate park farther from residences on Memorial Drive.

Council Vice President Drew Lehman, who is opposed to the park, said, "I can guarantee you, if we keep that location on Memorial Drive this is never going to pass council's judgment." In response, council members Laurie Malka and Kim Lusardi asked that no one else speak on their behalf.

Last night's meeting concluded with council voting to allow Mr. Buerkle to postpone the presentation of his new layout until the October council meeting. At that meeting, a council will decide whether the skate park can ultimately be built in Dormont.

The skate park proposal is being spearheaded by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19, who drowned last July on a camping trip last in the Allegheny National Forest. Both were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who were extreme sports enthusiasts.