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Skate Park Proving Successful
The noise hasn't materialized either. Fred Kincaid is a neighbor of the Skate Park. He is also on the panel that handles any noise complaints. So far there haven't been any noise complaints. The skate park users fought long and hard to get their skate park, and know that the city has a deal with the neighbors of the Skate Park that boomboxes will not be allowed and any unresolvable noise problems will mean the neighbors can order the police to shut down the park for short periods of time: like hours, days, weeks. This and sound-proofing built into the skate park were two conditions that the city agreed to -- to get the Skate Park neighbors to allow the Skate Park to be built and used.
To ensure there are no problems at the park, Burlington's Parks and Recreations Department hires people to staff (watch over) the Skate Park. And the park closes at sunset. The conflict over the idea of having the Skate Park is finally tranquil. Interestingly enough, the teenagers that used to enjoy hanging out on Church Street and in City Hall Park are no longer a problem for the Burlington Police and the Church Street Marketplace and merchants. They seem to have found a new place to hang out.
The Skate Park is open from April 1st through October 31st from 10 A.M. until sunset monday through Saturday and 10 A.M. through 6 P.M. on Sunday.
The Skate Park is located in the Waterfront Park across from the old Moran Plant. To get to it, go down College street until you are about to cross the tracks. Just before the tracks, turn right and go down Lake Street, until you see a fork with the option of either going up a hill or taking a left toward the lake. Take a left at the fork and look toward your right.
Rules and Regulations
For additional information, please call the parks division office at 865-7247.
Rough Road of Skate Park Opening
Newchannel 5 recently did a story on how much of a success the Skate Park is being considered after only two months open. The park attracts lots of bladers, boarders, bikers, and even spectators. Spectators will stand just outside the fence are impressed with both the skills and the manners of the children inside. All the common crap you see from children, you don't see at the park. There is no swearing, no fighting, or anything of the usually misbehaviors many of us expected out of children. The children take turns, seldom get in each other's way, and are quick to apologize when they do collide.
Video Clip of Roller
Blading on Half Pipe.
(Wide-Band access recommended)
(like Cable or DSL)
Video Clip of Skate-
Boarding on Half Pipe.
(Wide-Band access recommended)
Video Clip of Skate-
Boarding in SkatePark.
(Wide-Band access recommended)
1989 -- Burlington seeks to take care of a skate board and roller skating hazard problem by making it illegal for people to use skateboards and roller blades on Church Street and much of City Owned property, including City Hall Park. Nine year-old persuades the Burlington City Council to look into building a Skate Park as an alternative place to skate.
May 1997 -- There is concern about the proposal of having the skate park is two halves that are in two different locations.
September 1997 -- Mayor proposes city chip in $60,000 toward the park. Republican City councilors and some taxpayers object. Peter Clavelle believes it is in the cities best interest to make up for the short fall of available money for the project. Peter later states, "I think it's very high and I think that we as a community have a responsibility of providing a place for skateboarders and in line skaters that's both safe and legal. It's one thing to say you can't skate in City Hall Park, but if we're going to say that, I think we should also say, but here's a place where you can go."
January 1998 -- Burlington planners give the go ahead on a skate park. Neighbors of the Skate Park become vocally opposed to the idea.
March 1998 -- 39 Skate Park neighbors file a lawsuit to block the construction of the Skate Park on Burlington's Waterfront Park. The appeal of Burlington Planning Commission's decision will be heard by the State district environmental officer for the Vermont Environmental Court.
June 1998 -- To alleviate aggravation over the delayed city skate park, Burlington Park and Recreations holds hearing on spending extra money to construct its own temporary skate park on the Southern Connector Highway. The Southern Connector was built from interstate 189 out as far as Home Avenue, but never used. The Southern Connector is still tied up in litigation until this day.
July 1, 1998 -- Temporary Skate Park opens on southern connector, near the intersection of Home Avenue and the Southern Connector.
April 1999 -- Hundreds of boarders go to Burlington City Hall to protest the delay in the building of the Skate Park. State district environmental coordinator James Boy rules that the City does not need an ACT 250 review. Skate Park Neighbors appeal his decision.
June 1999 -- Neighbors of the Skate Park appeal to the Vermont Environmental Court to require an Act 250 review for the Skate Park. The Temporary Skate Park is upgraded with a half-pipe. With plans tied in up in two courts and state hearing set for late July, the Skate park is put off for another year.
November 1999 -- Court appointed mediator works out a compromise between the City of Burlington and the neighbors of the Skate Park. Among the compromises: A staffed skate park that is open only until sunset and discourages loud music playing.
April 2000 -- Skate Park under construction.
July 3, 2000 -- Skate Park Ceremoniously opens despite drizzling rain all day.
July 5, 2000 -- Skate Park closes for two weeks so construction of the park can be completed. With litigation, final costs project that the city promised $60,000 toward? The Skate Park cost $280,000 to build. And, guess what -- the city eats all the litigation costs. Maybe it's time to raise the taxes on waterfront area property.
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