Opinions split on new plan for Dormont skate park
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Members of Dormont council are still divided about the merits of permitting a skate park in the borough.
At council's Monday meeting, some members were concerned about plans for such a park as proposed by Mary Pitcher of Scott, a former Dormont resident who runs an antique business there.
Mrs. Pitcher wants a skate park built in honor of her two sons -- Vincent and Stephen -- who drowned in an accident in the Kinzua Reservoir, while on a camping trip with their father and friends.
In recent months, her plans have been rejected by the borough and the Keystone Oaks school board.
Her sons were graduates of Keystone Oaks High School.
The dialogue about a park has been going on for months.
Monday, Councilman Drew Lehman said he is concerned about Mrs. Pitcher's most recent plan to put the park along Banksville Road where borough tennis courts are located.
"I don't see that much support for it," he said.
Mr. Lehman said he is concerned about the borough basically turning over a plot of land to the group without a feasibility study being done. He also said it was unclear who would pay to relocate the tennis courts to Memorial Drive.
He also said that it didn't appear that Mrs. Pitcher had done much fundraising since she last approached the board six months ago.
"I don't see a lot of raising awareness," he said.
Council member John Maggio agreed.
"We're faced with difficult budget issues," he said. "It would not be prudent to take on unknown expenses, and I'd hate to see our park disturbed."
He said the tennis courts on Banksville Road are used extensively.
But Councilwoman Joan Hodson said it wouldn't hurt for the borough at least to look at the idea.
"I have reservations, but I'm willing to listen," she said. "I don't understand why we're being so close minded on this, and I'm frustrated."
Council also questioned Mrs. Pitcher about the idea that Beechview officials may have a site for the park.
But she maintains that the skate park is needed more in Dormont.
Mrs. Pitcher said it would be located hundreds of feet from homes, but near the borough's other recreational facilities, and use of those facilities would likely increase.
She said the Banksville location has existing parking and lighting. No green space would be touched under the new plan, she said.
The park, estimated to cost from $500,000 to $800,000, would be funded by donations and grants -- no taxpayer dollars.
Mrs. Pitcher said the park recently received grants from the Tony Hawk Foundation and The American Ramp Co. and has received promises for additional funds as soon as a permanent location is agreed upon.
She said it is difficult to apply for grants without a site.
Mrs. Pitcher asked council to vote on the proposal at Monday's meeting, but council did not say whether it would be put on the agenda.
First Published April 1, 2010 5:54 am
