It should come as no surprise to residents that controversy surrounds the new skate park.
Each side makes valid points about why the park should, or should not, be located on Chillicothe Bible Church property.
On one hand, skateboarders and inline skaters have been banned from rolling on public streets or sidewalks. Where are they to play if it is not allowed within town?
From attending some of the skate days, we know that the majority of these skateboarders just want a place to play. They shared equipment and were polite.
Some say skateboarding is a fad, but with area residents saying they wanted a place to skateboard for the last 30 years, we do not think the “fad” is going out anytime soon.
The opposing sides agree that the children need a place to foster their athleticism, but the neighbors do not want it in their frontyard.
The neighbors fear the noise, a depreciation of home values and problems at the park.
Chillicothe Police Chief Steve Maurer even weighed in on the matter, saying that from a survey with other police departments, they experienced problems with noise, criminal activity and more.
He noted, however, that many of the problems were not with local residents, but with out-of-towners.
With that said, the church and the Chillicothe Park District told those in attendance at an informational meeting March 30 they are moving forward with the endeavor.
Chillicothe Park District director Kevin Yates and park president Mike Krost both said they were confident enough that the park would not be a problem to the neighbors that they would give, and have given, their personal cell phone numbers to them.
Additionally, Chillicothe Bible Church pastors Joe Horn and Jim Schultz both said their offices overlook the property, and they will be watching the activity while they are there.
Both parties need to do just what they said they would do.
Yates also said he had no problem with shutting the park down for a week or so if skateboarders do not follow the rules.
Chillicothe skateboarders can set the tone for this park. They have waited for so long for this.
Many skateboarders attended the meeting and heard the neighbors’ and Maurer’s concerns. Take them to heart.
So, we say this to the skateboarders: Have fun, but obey the rules. Keep in mind the neighbors’ concerns.
Skateboarders and their parents should assist in keeping the park a place of which all Chillicotheans can be proud.
Time will tell if this can work, but at this point, all parties should do their part.
