By C. TOWNE
towne@newsroom.byu.edu
Days before the official opening of the Fort Utah Skateboard Park, Provo Police have been busy keeping anxious youngsters off of the setting surface. But after today, skaters will have to wait no more.
Today's ribbon cutting ceremony gives skateboard and rollerblade enthusiasts the city's endorsement. Other sports such as baseball and basketball have always enjoyed local support. With the opening of the new facility, at 200 N. Geneva Road, local skaters now hope theirs may someday become a similar institution.
Provo resident James Rail, 20, is responsible for the idea and much of the park's creation.
'Skateboarding has been around for over twenty years. It is definitely a sport, not just a fad,' he said.
Rail said he and his friends have been skateboarding for years, but until now have not been able to find their own place. James is the son of David Rail, who is a member of the city council which late last year considered motions for restricting skateboarding. Residents and business owners had complained of noise and property damage. Other resistance resulted from skaters using church and school parking areas.
Rail's idea, with the help of Roger Thomas, director of Provo Parks and Recreation, has proven to be a popular solution. The estimated $40,000 needed to fund the project has attracted willful doners.
The city council approved former mayor George Stewart's proposed contribution for $20,000. Other sizeable donations came from the Provo school district, The Provo Foundation and local businesses including NuSkin, Jones Paint & Glass and Seven Peaks Golf Course. Students from BYU's construction management department, under the supervision of Professor Jay Newett, then agreed to carry out the project.
Many skaters hope the park will benefit the overall local image of the sport. James Rail said some people are afraid of so-called skaters because of the negative stereotypes that have evolved.
'It's like any other sport, there are always a few that ruin it for everyone else.' Rail said.
Clark Barron, assistant principal at Provo High School, has been sympathetic to the skaters' situation.
'They are good kids just looking for a place to skate,' he said earlier this year.
Ben Pellegrino, of Milo Snow & Skate in Orem, said although it does not quite compare with the state-of-the-art parks in Southern California, it will still offer skaters a place to meet that is safe and free.
'It's a good first step,' Pellegrino said. 'Hopefully the popularity of it will demonstrate a need for bigger and better parks in the future.'