Kaiman Rolls Out Skate Park Plans

The plan was at least five years in the making. But now it appears that some Port Washington kids will have two designated sites to do what they love best: skateboard.

By June, 2011, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman says will be home to what's  called a "skate spot"– a simple venue with one or two elements for local kids. And by the end of the year will host a larger destination skateboard park, with an aesthetic look, complete with a plaza, bowl, and street elements.

"We set aside the money," Kaiman told an audience of about 60 Port Washington residents, including parents and teens at on Monday evening. "There's no reason why both projects can't be done."

The town has budgeted between $250,000 and $500,000 through capital funding for the skateboard projects. Kaiman said he hoped to attract revenue from sponsors to sustain it.

But to move forward, the Town wanted teens to sit down with Jason Baldessari, of Spohn Ranch Skateparks, a California company that has already built across the United States 600-plus skateboard parks.

"We need to find out what you want that will bring you back time and time again," Kaiman told the teens. "We want to provide an exciting and fun facility."

But Patrick Gibson, a Manorhaven resident and also a village board trustee, expressed concerns about oversight, and whether it would tax the county police, which patrols Manorhaven, or impose upon the village.

"We don't anticipate calling upon the village on anything other than enjoying the park, we're going to be a good neighbor with the village," Kaiman said. "We anticipate that between county police, Port Washington Police and our public safety and park personnel it will all be contained within."

Others worried about how the kids would get to the parks, and about kids injuring themselves skateboarding to the park.

Councilman Fred Pollack noted that there's an underlying assumption that these issues wouldn't exist if the park weren't built, but pointed out, "They're already skating down the street."

Port Washington Police Sergeant Stephen Cardello stressed the need for kids "to follow the flow of traffic and stop for all stop signs and traffic lights. At night, encourage them to wear reflective clothing," he said, adding that kids could travel to the park by public bus and that there may be transportation to the site at North Hempstead Beach Park.

The parents seemed happy that the kids would finally have designated venues for skating, rather than take to shopping centers and sidewalks. They hoped the kids would take ownership of the sites. "I think these kids can build into model citizens and become part of the community and solutions," said Bob Weitzner.

After brainstorming about the ideal park with peers and Baldessari, sixteen-year-old Jacob Kiel seemed pleased.

"The spot will be be great for kids to hang out with their friends," Kiel said, referring to Manorhaven. Noting that the North Hempstead Beach Park will attract others from the region, he added that it "will be  a big place to socialize."

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