Designer to present revised skate park plan in Dormont
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The designer of the proposed Pitcher Park skating park in Dormont will present a revised park plan Sept. 23 to borough council.
John Buerkle, of Pashek Associates, will present the new plan. Mr. Buerkle's original design placed the skate park near Memorial Drive in Dormont Park, close enough to some houses that several residents complained about the proposed location.
The construction of Pitcher Park, which remains a highly contentious issue in Dormont, is being spearheaded by former Dormont resident Mary Pitcher to honor her sons Vincent, 21, and Stephen Pitcher, 19. The men drowned last July on a camping trip last in the Allegheny National Forest. They were Keystone Oaks High School graduates who were extreme sports enthusiasts.
Mrs. Pitcher, the Pitcher Park president, has entertained proposals that would retain the Dormont Park location but move the skate park farther from the affected residences. Another suggestion would move the skate park out of Dormont Park to Kelton Field, leaving its construction under the jurisdiction of the Keystone Oaks school board.
Mrs. Pitcher said that Mr. Buerkle's new plan will not focus on a single location, but suggest several spots throughout the Dormont area for further consideration. She expects, however, that opposition to the skate park will exist regardless of its proposed location.
Council will meet to vote Oct. 5 to decide the future of the skate park.
First Published September 9, 2009 6:27 am
