Parks & Rec committee discusses new skatepark

By KIM E. STROM

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Bessemer - Conversation at the Bessemer Recreation Committee centered around a new skatepark for Bessemer's Bluff Valley Park at the old tennis courts Thursday. Current equipment placed in the park by the Mission Skate Shop in Bessemer is reportedly being used, and the city would like to see it grow.

Consequently, a full skatepark will be delivered to the park by the Mission Skate Shop Sunday evening. It will consist of a five foot quarter pipe, grind ledges, and jumps, said skate shop owner A.J. Granroth.

Granroth had earlier approached the city asking for permission to put in the pump track, which is a series of hills and banked turns made for bike riders. "The city was kind enough to purchase the dirt for it and we supplied the labor," he said. He also rented a Bobcat and with several volunteers built the track.

"We ended up building it in a day, worked on it the next two weeks and then left a shovel for people to change it," said Granroth. With the go-ahead on the pump track, he also worked with the city on the idea of the skatepark. "The city of Bessemer is awesome to work with for sure," he said, adding that a lot of younger kids were involved as well.

"I think it's awesome that it's happening in such a timely manner," said Granroth. "There was literally nothing there. Within this summer, we successfully put in a decent pump track and now a skatepark. We will have a pretty awesome park," he said.

The skatepark equipment is being donated by an anonymous gentleman from Rhinelander who spoke with the Daily Globe on Thursday. The equipment is used and will need some maintenance, but it is in good shape, he said. One of the main reasons he donated the equipment was due to two sponsored riders from Mission Skate Shop.

"They presented themselves very well," he said. "I think that Mission Skate Shop did a good job getting together with the city and having it approved"

"When we go there, we help to maintain it (skate park and pump track) and expect the same from those that use it," said Granroth. "We're hoping the community will take ownership of these things. It's awesome to have, and hopefully they will respect it," he said. Granroth added that the donor is very happy the equipment is going to a place where it will get used.

Board members discussed the cost of putting a sealant on the asphalt first. With the weather getting colder, that may not happen until spring, said board member Terry Kryshak. The total cost of putting a sealant down is about $1,000, he said, adding it would need to be done every few years.