SKATEBOARD PARK

Applause
Monitor, McAllen, TX
January 22, 2002
Provided by Burrelle's Information Services

Jan 10 was the groundbreaking for Edinburg's $50,000 skating park complex to be built by SkateWave Division of Landscape Structures, Inc. of Delano, Minn.

The facility will be a showpiece of Edinburg as one of the first city-owned recreational structures in South Texas, which will be designed for two of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, skateboarding and in-line skating.

"We have to give credit where credit is really due. The young people of Edinburg came before their City Council several years ago to ask for this type of venue because there was nowhere in our community they were allowed to go," said Mayor Joe Ochoa. They were being run off business and government facilities because they could have hurt themselves and others. But by their great vision, tenacity and intelligence, they brought their vision to their elected leadership. They were not afraid to ask for their share of resources."

The effort was led by a group of high school students who first lobbied the Edinburg Recreation and Park Board, then took the issue to both the Edinburg school board and the Edinburg City Council. Eventually, they convinced the city council, which praised the students for taking the time to research and present their idea. Two of the student leaders, brothers Daniel and Carlos Martinez were singled out by the City Council for their key roles in spurring the creating of the skating park.

The facility will provide safety to hundreds of skateboarders in the All-America City, who now have to resort to skating at public facilities, such as the university and public schools, whose sidewalks and walkways are meant for pedestrians, and not for the speed and competitive action of the sports. Worse, many athletes take to the street, a dangerous option.

About 30 to 50 skaters will be able to use the facility at one time. The city will enforce ordinances that will prohibit smoking, graffiti, and littering at the facility. Although there will be no charge for using the skating park, participants will be required to wear protective gear, including helmets, kneepads, and elbow pads.

Seeing Their Dream: Edinburg attorney Arnulfo Martinez poses with sons Daniel (left) and Carlos with the artist's rendition of the facility serving as a backdrop.