McDonald council last night approved paying $7,000 to engineering firm J.T. Sauer & Associates, of Robinson, to design and manage construction of a skateboard plaza in Heritage Park.

Over the past three years, the borough has secured about $50,000 in grants for the project. Grant terms require the facility be built by the end of this year, said Councilman Steve Matta, head of the parks and recreation committee.

The plaza, planned for the park's western end, will accommodate activities such as skateboarding and rollerblading, while providing benches, trees and other amenities for general recreational use.

"This is something we think is valuable for the town," Mr. Matta said.

J.T. Sauer also worked on the park's tennis courts and the McDonald Trail Station.

The total project cost could top $80,000, according to previous estimates.

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