City looks at skate park

A new skateboard facility could add more to do for youths in Liberty Lake’s popular Pavillion Park.

At least that’s what Pat Dockery of the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club told the town’s City Council in renewing his pitch for a skatepark Tuesday on the eve of Pavillion Park’s biggest events of the year. Pavillion Park hosts an Independence Day concert and is a good spot from which to watch the community’s annual fireworks show. Two earlier council meetings drew nearly 50 people who, as Dockery said, “we’re committed to see the park built.” Dockery also said there is some corporate support for the facility.

Up until six weeks ago the group was unsure on a location for the skatepark, but they have since looked at building it on the space currently occupied by volleyball courts, according to Dockery. He said the group has also begun the process of acquiring nonprofit status and will conduct fundraising, including applying for grants.

Dockery admitted that, “Not every one supports the idea” for a skatepark, but countered, “There is a place for it in Liberty Lake.”

Council member Neal Olander approved of the idea, noting however that the volleyball court might not be the best location. He said neighbors he had spoken to had “no real objections,” but that some expressed concerns over potential noise after dark and safety issues.

Dockery said the group had studied other locations but didn’t find any that met all the needs.

Mayor Steve Peterson asked Dockery to, “Have your group come back with a design.” Olander agreed, saying that it would be “nice to have scientific plan on how we will spend money.”

In other council business, Central Valley Running Start student Megan Klegin of the Youth Commission reported that a July 28 Battle of the Bands was an instant success, drawing 12 entries in just a few days of the announcement. The event will run from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with prizes, including a 10-hour recording session, being offered.

Environmental and Recreation Specialist Mary Wren-Wilson presented the council with an overview of what has been a very successful parks and rec program so far.

Twenty different events, including Kite Fest, basketball clinics, three-on-three basketball tournaments and rafting were all part of the presentation.

Council member Judi Owens questioned why the city is paying for mowing on city property while there is staff that could do the job.

Director of Community Development Doug Smith explained that hiring a contractor helps with work overload on regular city staff. “We ran the numbers,” Smith said, noting the city was actually saving money. The contractor is “production-oriented,” Smith said and could get the job done faster than using city crews, some of whom are temporary employees and may not be as efficient.

Sewer and Water Commissioner Tom Agnew reported on results of a new study on the city’s water supply. It spoke glowingly of the quality of the community’s water. Overall, most people thought it at least compared with or was better than bottled water.