City Responds to Skate Park Demand in Glen Cove

, Mayor Ralph Suozzi said that there are circumstances to be considered before the city can give the green light for construction of a facility.

"Any of the interested parties are of course free to pursue a for-profit skate park as they would any business without any involvement from the city outside of any possible Planning Board or Zoning Board considerations," Suozzi said.

While Glen Cove resident Dr. John Turman expressed his interest in spearheading a skate park project, Suozzi said there were three private groups interested in investing in a for-profit park–including consideration of preferred pricing for Glen Cove residents. In exchange for the preferred Glen Cove pricing, the park would receive city-owned land, which Suozzi said would be leased.

Turman said he first approached city officials, specifically the Recreation Department, in the summer of 2009 to present plans for the park. The city showed an interest in the park and said they were looking for people to build a park in the city, according to Turman.

Turman said that he thinks public awareness will spark interest in the park: "I'm open to try again with the project, my doors are always open. I'm hoping the city will be willing to negotiate, as I've spent a fortune in time and money on the project," he said. "Not only would this park be absolutely beautiful, it is essential for the youth of Glen Cove."

Suozzi said that there has been a major issue preventing the skate park project from coming to fruition: deciding on a location for the park.

"Four locations have been identified as potential sites," said Suozzi. "Though only one is available for consideration at this time, and it has been deemed too small by one of the interested parties, which is the basketball court located on the south parking lot of City Stadium."

Suozzi also explained the criteria for the selection of a site, citing several characteristics the current sites share in common: "First, it must be city-owned property. Additionally considered is the site's proximity to an existing park facility bordering commercial vs. residential properties," he said. "Adequate size of property for implementation of a skate park must be met. It also must be easy to secure and patrol, and a centralized location is desired."

Should the city construct a park without private investment, Suozzi said there are additional expenses to make note of.

"Amount of capital dollars invested, materials to be used, types of structures, skill levels–beginner, intermediate, advanced–liability exposure and/or insurance coverage, over site or supervision of facility, and hours of operation are all things which must be considered."

Several local skateboarding enthusiasts said that the need for the park is not just recreational, but rather an alternative to breaking the law.

"I've personally gone to the police station 10 times to get my board back, and have received numerous tickets," said 18-year-old resident and skateboarder Chris Priczak. "Kids have been confronted for the mere possession of a skateboard, let alone riding them. Authorities around the city have said the only place we can skate is in our backyards." 

While many residents have called the skateboard ban unfair, the ordinance is not without merit. Several skaters have adopted downtown's terrain as their training ground, obstructing traffic, pedestrians, and businesses in the area–potentially leading to hazardous conditions.

Many, like Priczak, have chosen to seek alternate locations to practice their hobbies: "We don't like to deal with this stuff," Priczak said. "A skateboard park in Glen Cove is not only necessary, but in high demand."

The construction of a skate park is not an unrealistic plan, according Suozzi.

"The city will continue to work with anyone who is interested in a private/public partnership as the future land uses change and become more flexible," he said.