The city’s decision two weeks ago to refuse a request for city help with supervision of Albert Lea’s new skate park took members of the Albert Lea Skate Park Association by surprise.

Monday, March 11, 2002

The city’s decision two weeks ago to refuse a request for city help with supervision of Albert Lea’s new skate park took members of the Albert Lea Skate Park Association by surprise.

The surprise came because they didn’t even realize the issue was going to be brought to the council for a vote. Skate park association member Paul Evenson, who wrote the letter that ended up on the agenda, said he thought he was just starting a discussion about options for the park.

Part of the problem was confusion about city procedures.

&uot;I didn’t realize that any letter making a request of the city goes on the agenda,&uot; Evenson said, who was out of town on vacation when the vote was held.

Instead of initiating a discussion, however, the council voted on the issue at their meeting on Feb. 25. Citing a deal they claimed the association had signed with the city when the skate park was approved, the request was easily defeated, with only council member George Marin in favor.

Now, supporters of Albert Lea’s skate park are still working with city officials to revisit the issue.

&uot;I don’t know that the issue is completely closed at this point,&uot; said Evenson. He’s optimistic that the city is at least willing to talk about options for skate park supervision.

&uot;I want to work with the city on this. I think we still have an opportunity to provide a safe place for youth to skateboard and bike,&uot; he said.

The association asked the city for help because of problems with the all-volunteer supervision that was used last summer.

&uot;Our thinking that we could do it all with only volunteers didn’t pan out,&uot; said Evenson.

The availability of funding for paid supervision seems to be the biggest stumbling block. The city is facing cuts to local government aid because of budget deficits at the state level, said Paul Sparks, city manager. They may not have any extra money to put into salary for a city-paid supervisor.

One possible source of funding for a park supervisor might be the entrance fees paid by youth who use the skate park, said Evenson. But since that money is also used to pay for equipment, he isn’t sure if it would work.

For now Evenson said he and other skate park supporters are glad a dialogue has started and are hopeful that something can be worked out that will keep the park operating.