Skate park issues to be discussed today

By GUY PRIEL

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Recent concerns about the need for a skating park in town has prompted two members of the New Ulm City Council to host an informational meeting at 5 p.m. today in the council chambers.

"I see a need in New Ulm for a place for skaters and skateboarders," Council Member Ron Fleischmann said. "I have visited with the BMX people and got information on organizing."

The BMX track, located at Second South Street, was developed by a group of interested parents, who were provided with land by the city.

Fleischmann approached Council Member Clark Tuttle, who has expressed an interest in the issue, about assisting with the project. The two will not be heading any type of committee, they are mainly seeking input from interested citizen.

"This is just an idea to see if there is interest in the community for this type of project," Tuttle said.

One of the main topics of conversation during the meeting will be potential park design concepts, as well as possible locations for the designated park.

"The entire project will be parent driven and it will be a non profit group," Fleischmann said. "Eventually we hope to develop a sub-committee to come up with design concepts."

When the city sent out a request for proposals to companies desiring to conduct a community recreation study, the skate park was mentioned as part of an overall package of needs to be considered and to help gain support.

"We are not talking about a major investment, we just need some concrete and some type of apparatus for them to use, with ramps and things like that," Fleischmann said. "We are not making any promises. We are just gathering information."

Fleischmann said the city is not considering building a new park and is not looking to build an indoor facility for that purpose at the present time, which will be made clear at the meeting.

"We are mainly stating that there has to be city land available for this project and that we are willing to make that space available," he said. "Where that space will be has not yet been determined."

It is hoped that the skate park concepts and proposals can be included in the half cent sales tax referendum, along with other recreation facility issues, that will come before the voters in Nov. 2000.

The city, during a council meeting Tuesday night, retained the services of Rozeboom Miller Architects of Minneapolis to conduct the community recreation facilities study at a cost not to exceed $24,620.