43
Controversy rolls on over skate park
By jeanne starmack
STRUTHERS
Struthers’ law director says it’s his opinion that the city does not have to return two lots that were donated for the city’s now-closed skate park.
Domenic Leone said Wednesday that there is no reversion clause that would force the city to return the property at the end of Stewart Street to the Struthers Fraternal Order of Police.
Struthers Mayor Terry Stocker said in June that the FOP sent a letter to the city council asking for the land back.
The skate park, which was built five years ago with $70,000 in donations from businesses and residents, was closed in May after Stewart Street residents complained for years about noise, litter and loud profanity from kids who used it.
The closing prompted an outcry from residents, who said the community came together to fund and then help build the skate park so kids would not skateboard on the streets and sidewalks.
Council members had considered moving the skate park to Mauthe Park but then dropped the idea after neighbors there protested. After residents urged them to reopen it, they revisited the idea of moving it somewhere.
They came up with the idea of moving it to Nebo Park. Residents near Nebo Park also objected to moving it there.
The council had a public meeting in July to get more input, and the park remains closed at least for now.
Leone said Wednesday he can see why there has been such an uproar over the closing of the skate park.
“I can see why there’s such a big controversy,” he said. “There were so many people involved. Everyone that donated, donated their time as well, and all for a good cause.”
He said that he does not represent the FOP, which solicited the monetary donations. He said, though, that he believes the FOP did use the money for what it was intended — the skate park.
The park equipment, he said, was never sold or given to the city. He said that the FOP and the council could “sit down and come up with an agreement as to who owns it.”