A landscape architect last night presented to Dormont council two additional potential sites for a proposed skate park in the borough.

More than 50 concerned Dormont residents crowded into the borough's committee meeting to hear John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, identified two potential additional sites for the skate park.

He designated an area about 240 feet from the Memorial Drive homes near the shelter/pavilion area in Dormont Park, and another location -- one he called the most practical because of its minimal impact on existing residences -- that would place the skate park along Banksville Road, in place of the existing tennis courts.

The current Banksville Road tennis courts would be relocated to Dormont Park, replacing deteriorating courts there that council member Laurie Malka acknowledged would have to be rehabilitated whether or not the skate park was built.

In addition to the skate park, the Banksville Road location also would include one full basketball court, one half basketball court, and a plaza in the center surrounded by a shade canopy of trees. The proposed skate park would share a parking lot with Dormont Pool and would not result in the loss of any green space, Mr. Buerkle said.

The construction of the skating area called Pitcher Park remains a highly contentious issue in Dormont. The park is being spearheaded by former resident Mary Pitcher to honor her deceased sons. Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19, drowned last July on a camping trip in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates and extreme sports enthusiasts.

The Pitcher Park group will fund the park privately, although if approved, the borough could apply for assistance grants. According to Mr. Buerkle, the insurance premiums, which will be paid by the borough, would not increase because of the skate park's construction.

Council member Kim Lusardi estimated the total cost of the skate park would run between $600,000 and $800,000 and that the fundraising and construction process would take at least 3 to 5 years to complete, if approved.

After last night's presentation, some residents voiced their continued concerns over the skate park, while others in favor of the park reiterated their belief that it would be foolish to refuse what they feel amounts to an incredible gift to the community. Both sides appeared to believe they represented the majority of Dormont residents.

Council will vote Oct. 5 to decide the future of the skate park.