Fairfield skatepark gets grant

Thu., Aug. 5, 2004

By Hilary Kraus hilaryk@spokesman.com

Kids in the Freeman and Liberty school districts are one kickflip closer to having their own skateboard park.

In a ceremony Monday, Spokane County Commissioner Kate McCaslin presented an $8,659 check to Fairfield Mayor Jep Edwards. The money, from a parks and recreation grant, will go toward the construction of a $75,000 skateboard park in Fairfield.

Of the town of Fairfield’s 600 residents, 124 are children between the ages of 6 and 18. The park will serve two school districts that total 1,400 students.

“Currently, we only have playground equipment,” Edwards said. “After about sixth grade, there is nothing to do but sit around. For those who are not in team sports, skating is a good individual sport.”

Edwards said the plan is to begin construction no earlier than next spring. The park could be finished by next summer.

A total of $10,000 has been raised through community fund-raisers such as car washes and bake sales.

Citizens also will donate their labor. Edwards said he is awaiting the approval from the state for a $32,000 outdoor recreation grant.

The plan is to build a 7,500-square foot concrete pad on the east side of Fairfield’s upper park. The ramps will be constructed out of a quiet-riding surface.

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