Future Ash Grove skatepark location moved northward

The construction of the new skatepark at Ash Grove City Park is proceeding, though there has been one alteration in the plans. Mayor Les Gardner said that instead of building the skatepark on the location of the western tennis court, it will be located elsewhere in the park.
“The location has been moved to the eastern inside section of the loop in the main section of the park,” he said. “It was moved after concerns from park neighbors living in the area of the tennis court.”
Gardner added that part of the skatepark’s construction is already finished, and the park should be complete by the middle of June.
“The concrete pad has already been completed with the skate equipment arriving the week of June 15,” he said. “After the equipment is in place, the skatepark will be ready for use.”
While there was some disagreement about the skatepark that came to light as construction began, Gardner said it appears now that those both for and against the skatepark have found common ground.
“There was a tremendous amount of both positive and negative talk regarding the skatepark, (but) in the end, I believe all parties came to an agreement and everything moved forward.”
Additionally, Gardner said there are a number of young people in Ash Grove and the surrounding communities who are eager to see the skatepark finished.
“Through all of the development of the skatepark I have been introduced to several young people excited to see the park completed,” he said. “These are young people from Ash Grove, Walnut Grove and Willard.”
Gardner also said some of the enthusiasm of the skaters is rubbing off on him.
“I, as a resident and mayor of this great town, am very excited to have something for your youth of this age to enjoy,” he said. “While talking with some of the other skaters, (it) has made me get excited to get my old board out. It has been 40-plus years since I have been on the board; maybe I can get some pointers.”
When the skatepark is finished, Gardner said, it’s opening will be announced.
“Once everything is in place, we will announce an official opening of the skatepark for everyone to enjoy,” he said. “Also want to thank everyone who supported and was involved in making all this happen.”