Forks Pulls Out of Regional Skate Park
Forks supervisors say cost to join Easton effort not worth the benefit.
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Forks Township won't be a part of a regional stake park proposed by the city of Easton.
The Forks Township Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Thursday to reject a proposal that would have Forks, Easton, Palmer and Wilson pitching in to pay for a regional skate park.
Worried about high costs for such a project, the board decided to drop out.
"To invest in a regional skate park when we are going to have one here is not wise spending on our behalf," Supervisor John O'Neil said.
Supervisors were worried about how much Forks' share could be. At a recent meeting, Palmer Township supervisors expressed concern that their expense would be too high.
Supervisors mentioned Palmer's worries Thursday and also wondered whether grants would come through that would reduce Forks' burden.
Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. made a pitch to Forks supervisors earlier this month. He hoped that Forks would sign on for the venture at Lower Hackett Park that he estaimated could cost $300,000.
Forks would be on the hook for $52,000, Panto said.
Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said it would be "tough to make a decision" to move forward since Forks only saw conceptual plans for the skate park.
"We need to know what we would get for our money," he said. "Also, we have no control over the project since it will be managed by Easton. A lot would have to fall into place for this to work."
Supervisor David Billings said he wasn't supporting the project unless Easton obtained three state and county grants.
"There’s too many unknowns, Supervisor Dan Martyak said.
Martyak said a skate park in Forks is better served since kids won't have to get a ride to Easton.
The township incorporated plans for its own skate park in its five-year recreation plan. The skate park would be behind the fire station on Sullivan Trail.
Chuss, in calling for a motion to reject the regional plan, stated that Forks always tries to cooperate with its neighbors. He mentioned Forks giving $10,000 to the Miracle League field in Palmer Township.
"There's a lot of uncertainty at this point," he said. "If there are better defined plans, then maybe we'll revisit it."
gloria meyers
11:44 am on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I am sure fancier desks or something of that sort for the meetings where they discuss these things would be wiser spending????? I am annoyed when I see the money that has been wasted at the municipal complex in Forks and this project would be something for the kids in the area ... instead of hanging around in the parking lots and such. But you guys have your own priorities dont you?
Melissa Reilly
7:01 pm on Saturday, September 29, 2012
Give me a break! speaking as a mother of a son who skates, stays out of trrouble,doesn't use drugs you cant give these kids a safe enviroment to do this sport in? Yes i said sport have you Tried to get on a skateboard and do the things these kids do! I'm sure the local police won't stop harrasing these kids but yet we won't give them a place to go! UNREAL!!!!!!!