Park Board hears about potential skate park updates
A representative from Skate Ohio made an appearance at the most recent Park Board meeting to discuss some potential updates to the skate park that is at Veterans Park.
During public comment of the meeting, Shelby resident and councilman Steve Mclaughlin shared he had a representative from Skate Ohio to speak with board members.
“I’m Steve Mclaughlin and I brought with me Robert Price with Skate Ohio. I heard a presentation from him a few months ago and I got to talking to him. I was interested because my son is going to be 30 and he used to skate all the time at our skate park. I thought he could come and talk to you about what Skate Ohio is and what he can help us with,” Mclaughlin said.
Price then took the floor and explained he
was from Mansfield and worked for Crossroads Community Church.
“We formed a 501© 3 nonprofit last year called Skate Ohio. I’ve been skateboarding since 1999, it’s been a big part of my life. The skate community is a wonderful community. The goal with the nonprofit is to improve the skate parks in our areas, including Shelby, Lexington, getting the parks in Mansfield maintained and Bellville.
Those are the main parts that we are focused on,” Price said.
The reason behind Skate Ohio, is because they can go outside of that, Price explained.
“We have been approached by parts of Cleveland and other places to just help hold events and things of that nature,” Price said.
One of their main goals is to get good, quality skateboards to those who may not be able to afford them, Price explained to park board members.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re five years or 90 years old. If you want a board, I will get you a board. That’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience in itself. We have given away 18 boards at this point,” Price said.
In addition, at the Crossroads Ontario campus, on Friday evenings there are ‘Winter Sessions’ held.
“Through donations, we were able to build some skating ramps and have it inside the gym so that kids can get through these last few Ohio months before the weather really breaks,” Price said.
On April 5, they will host a big competition for everyone to be involved in, Price said.
“We’ve got a lot of partners with it and a lot of other artists and people