Monday, December 16, 2002
The operators are meeting the demand for a skatepark.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Youngsters in the Boardman and Poland areas who enjoy the growing sport of skateboarding often find that there are few places available to practice or improve their skills.
Two township businessmen are hoping to change that with the introduction of a skatepark early next year for in-line skating, skateboarding and BMX biking. The park is under construction in the former Omega Door building on McClurg Road.
Mark Yoo, 30, and Marc Ostrolenk, 32, who is the manager of the Play It Again Sports store on U.S. Route 224, came up with the idea for Vertigo Skatepark after watching sales of skateboards increase dramatically at the store.
Expressions of interest
Ostrolenk said many parents buying the equipment expressed interest in seeing a skatepark facility built in the township.
The problem, Ostrolenk said, is that once the enthusiastic young skateboarders have the equipment in hand, they cannot find anywhere in the immediate area to test their skills. He said skateboarding is not generally accepted on the streets in Boardman and Poland.
Boardman police say there is no set policy against skateboarding or rollerblading on township streets, but many business owners have sent letters or made phone calls to township officials saying they want the skateboarders kept off their property. In those instances township police make certain there is no skateboarding on private property.
Russell Beatty Jr., Poland village police chief, said his department also receives numerous calls about skateboarders. In some cases, where the same kid has been warned numerous times, Beatty said officers confiscate the skateboard and wait for a parent to pick it up from the police station.
"There are two major misconceptions about this industry," Yoo said. "The first misconception is that these are bad kids and the second misconception is that this is a dangerous sport."
Yoo said those misconceptions led to an extensive search to find someone willing to lease a building to be used as a skatepark. He said owners of several vacant warehouses in the area rejected the idea.
Yoo and Ostrolenk plan to open the doors to the 2,600-square-foot skatepark by Feb. 1.
Ramps for all levels
Yoo said the experienced as well as the novice skater will find a place inside the skate park.
"The park will be set up with ramps for every skill level, whether it's your first time or you have been at this for awhile," he said. "Our goal is to offer everyone from the beginner to the advanced skater a place to go."
Yoo said there will be lessons available for those trying to improve their skills in skateboarding, BMX biking or aggressive in-line skating. He said there also will be competitions and demonstrations with professional skaters on hand.
Both men said the park will likely attract many people from outside the area looking for a new place to skate.
jgoodwin@vindy.com