Hillsboro Banner

By MICHELLE MCLEAN

Teak Kelley is searching for a home for a proposed skateboard park in Hillsboro.

“We’re looking for some ground,” the city’s park board president told city commissioners Monday.

Kelley expects 50-60 kids will frequent the outdoor recreation site. He knows the project will “cost a lot of money.”

Kelley asked Hillsboro commissioners Monday to lend a helping hand down the road. Commissioners agreed to let the park board use the city’s backhoe to prep the site for concrete work — once a location is found. Kelley estimated the heavy equipment would be used 15-20 hours. Park board member and city police chief Ray Weber has agreed to donate his time at the controls, Kelley said. 

The city is willing to provide the machine but the park board should pay for the gas, said commissioner Mike Lessard. Kelley said he’d have to take that proposal back to the park board to approve.

Kelley said he continues to search for a site that will accomodate a 50×120-foot concrete slab for skateboarders. Pre‑made obstacles and ramps will be installed later.

Kelley said several sites have already been considered. A request to locate near the elementary school didn’t win favor with the school board. Another spot in Woodland Park has been rejected because of the likelihood the land by the river would cause the concrete to heave.

Commissioner Lorraine Tibert said she didn’t like Kelley’s notion of using any city land southeast of the armory because it was too close to a busy street — Hwy. 200.

Commission president Kevin Burg said the city would check what empty lots it might have available as potential sites.

“We’re willing to work with you,” Tibert said.

“It’s a good idea,” Burg added.

“I hope it flies,” Kelley said.