‘Bark Park’ Suggested for Skateboard Area

Pressing forward with plans to build a skateboard park somewhere in town, Councilman Wayne L. Peterson will recommend today that the city’s Recreation Committee consider two more possible sites for the arena, including the city’s popular “Bark Park.”

The city has searched for more than three years for an appropriate spot to build a skateboard park, which school and city officials say would be well used by local youth. At least 18 sites have been considered.

Recently, the committee zeroed in on Heisler Park, which some people believe would be the ideal location to build a skateboard arena because it is centrally located, highly visible and is near restrooms and telephones. But area residents rejected that site, Recreation Director Pat Barry said.

“They’ve looked all over town,” Barry said of the committee members. “The problem is that sort of ‘not in my backyard’ attitude.”

Peterson is recommending now that the committee update its list of possible sites and add the dog park and another parcel in Laguna Canyon known as the Act V parking lot. He is also recommending that the design of a skateboard park be included in the 1997-98 budget and that plans be made for construction to begin by the end of 1998.

A skateboard arena would take up only “a nominal corner” of the popular dog park, Barry said, and would not interfere with canines’ use of the fenced parcel.

Carolyn Delino, president of Thurston Middle School’s Parent Teacher Assn., said support for a skateboard park is growing.

“They’re all over the streets,” she said. “And we’d really like to see them in a safe spot.”

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall at 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach. Information: (714) 497-0705.