Palmer: Regional Skate Park Costs Too High

A year ago, Supervisors were behind a regional skate park, even going as far as passing a resolution supporting one.

These days, not so much.

On Monday night, the discussed a cost analysis for such a park that originally was to be shared by Palmer, Easton, Forks Township and Wilson Borough.

Some light was shed on the project that made supervisors cringe: The regional park would cost close to $250,000 and Forks was no longer part of the deal.

That would make Palmer's contribution about $94,000 without Forks.

Even if Forks Township -- which is funding its own skate park -- was on board, Palmer's contribution was considered $74,000, still much higher than anticipated.

"We were first talking about $20,000," Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver said.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto had pitched the regional park at a Two Rivers Council of Governments meeting last summer and Palmer and Forks seemed gung-ho with the idea.

"The concept for a regional park was a good idea," Colver said.

Supervisor Bob Lammi had hoped a representative from Easton's government would provide an update at Monday's meeting, but no one was to be found.

Lammi said, though, that the issue needs to be addressed.

“We all have issues with skateboarders about the places where they shouldn't be," Lammi said. "The city wanted to build a facility down there."

A proposal was made for a 7,700-square-foot concrete park that would be located at Lower Hackett Park. Liability would be Easton’s responsibility because the park is in the city.

The cost would be split by Easton, Forks, Palmer and Wilson, based on population.

Officials were told that Easton would seek grants from Northampton County and the state that might shave costs.

But recently, decided to fund its own skate park, putting in $42,000 in the first year and another $25,000 a second year in its five-year parks and recreation plan.

Officials held out hope that the grants might bring back Palmer's contribution to $20,000.

Otherwise...

"For us, on a regional basis, it's a long stretch for me to do any of this with the restraints from our own recreation program," Supervisor Robert Smith said.

Supervisors were not required to take action on the regional skate park.