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Friends of North Plains SkatePark
1st Committe Meeting October 9, 2007 at 7pm
Meeting was called to order by Dave Stocker who gave a brief overview of what had happened since the September 17.2007 City Council meeting was held.
SPONSORS: Mike stated that we presently have about 15 sponsors, who are North Plains businesses, and that they have been sent out letters to make them aware of what is currently happening. Mike said he intends to seek more sponsors and several members had suggestions on who he could contact. Nike Corp. was mentioned and it was noted that the Mayor knew someone who worked there and Mike said he would ask her if that connection could be made, Michelle Langue said she would be willing to check on obtaining Nike as a sponsor also. It was stated that any businesses located in Washington County could be approached and asked to sponsor as this would be a skatepark for all Washington County, not just for North Plains. Mike stated there would not be any liability involved to anyone sponsoring the skatepark. FUNDRAISING: Several good fundraising ideas were suggested:
Mary Stocker was appointed Fundraiser Chairperson and Michelle Langue, Pam Lukas and Kathleen Warren volunteered to be committee members. Mike stated that North Plains Market is setting up donation table in co-operation with Oregon Coffee Roasters to raise money for the skatepark. Both of these businesses are already sponsors. A Fund Goal will be established when a temporary and a permanent skatepark location is secured. ADVERTISING: North Plains West Coast Bank has offered to post a donation message on it's marquee sign. William Smith offered to design flyers for donation requests. Brian Doormier offered to post messages in the City Newsletter TEMPORARY LOCATION: Several sites were discussed as temporary skatepark locations however Jesse May Park basketball court area and Walt & Michelle Langue property at 113th St. & North were the favored locations and Mike said he and Dave would present those ideas to the City. Walt and Michelle Langue are willing to temorarily lease their property to the city for a portable skate park to be set up until a permanent park is completed. Michelle said the property is in an area that is safe and visable and that there are not close neighbors who would object. There is a driveway for access and room for parking. Jesse May would be the primary favored location because it is already city owned thereby saving money on leasing property, however, the city does not want it to be at Jesse May at the current time. Also, there was a concern that the Spanish workers might be taking over the park and that could be a safety concern. Kathleen Warren, who lives just across the street from Jesse May Park, offered to do a feasibility study on Jesse May Park to show it's current use and history. Mike and Dave thought this would be very helpful to present at the next Chamber and Council meeting. It was also mentioned that some portable skate equipment had been confiscated by Torrance Homes and a request was made to see if it could be gotten back to use at the temporary park site. PERMANANT LOCATION: Several permanent locations were discussed: Jesse May with the possiblity of hiring an architect to present a design for a total renewal of the park which would not only include a skateboard park but a running track, and other areas for many family activities of all kinds. It was agreed that having a complete family park would be better for the whole city. The City and Chamber are all for having a skateboard park but do not want it at Jesse May Park because of the Garlic Festival and the Ball Park. Kathleen noted that Jesse May Park is over 70 years old and needs to be updated. Mary said restrooms needed to be put in. Michelle stated that Main St. was redone to allow for better family biking, however it would be nice to have a family park to bike to. It was stated that the Garlic Festival needs to be moved and Commercial Street was suggested as a good place to hold it. If Commercial was shut down for those three days the festival could be held in the street instead of off in the park. We all agreed to attend the next Chamber meeting to present our ideas. Another location was mentioned it is City owned property that is now vacant land just to the left of Commerical St. Dave said he would check into it and into the possibility of purchasing some land and then donating it to the City for the skatepark. The question was asked how much land was needed. Dave said an area of 100 x 100 would be ideal, with a minimum of 50 x 100. The final emphasis was made that we want to work with the City and the Chamber to accomplish our purpose. NEXT CHAMBER MEETING: TUES.NOVEMBER 6 @ NOON--JESSE MAY COMMUNITY CENTER LOGO It was suggested that a LOGO would be nice for us to have and that the skaters should design one for us. Mary said all designs should be turned in at the next meeting and they will be voted on by us. SKATEPARK OPENING CELEBRATION A celebration will be planned when the permanent skatepark opens and it was suggested that Armory in Forest Grove might be a part of it, also Livin'It--Luis Palau's skateboard ministry team would attend and perform. Dave has been in contact with the manager of Livin' It and has received some good resources from him. IN CLOSING:
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