Mike Kenbok has a simple solution for those who think a month-old skate park in Shaler should be closed over safety concerns.
"If they're scared about their kid (getting hurt) here, then don't let their kid come here," said Kenbok, 17, of Shaler, who uses the skate park to practice, among other moves, the "front-side board slide."
The skate park has become a focal point of contention between Shaler, which operates the facility, and the Shalercrest Housing Association, which leases the land to the township.
Although many Shalercrest residents enjoy the skate park, others think it should be closed.
In the wake of complaints of late-night carousing there, two housing association board members went to Shaler officials in August demanding that the skating facilities be dismantled.
The association last week locked the skate park, upon the recommendation of its attorney, Matt Carl, who said he mistakenly believed the township's lease had expired. After reviewing the lease, Carl said he realized it still was good and the gates were reopened.
Housing association and Shaler officials are negotiating a long-term arrangement for the skate park, built with local, state and federal money as part of a $40,000 upgrade to Shalercrest Park.
Shalercrest Housing Association board President Carol Pursehouse in August asked township engineer Kevin Creagh to remove the skate park.
Neighbors complained of noise and "late-night intruders" in the skate park, Pursehouse said.
While a fence surrounds the skate park and the facility is locked at night, safety concerns remain, Pursehouse said.
"Kids are down there without helmets and pads on. There's no supervision. We're concerned about the children and their well-being," she said.
Skateboarders said a warning sign should be erected there, but insist safety concerns should not close the skate park.
"People get hurt playing baseball and playing on the jungle gym. They should put a sign up -- 'Skate at your own risk,'" said Steve Olson, 18, of Etna.
Stephen Burkhart, 15, of Blawnox, said injuries are part and parcel of skateboarding.
"If you don't fall, you're not trying hard enough. Falling's part of learning," he said.
But Pursehouse says liability is a concern. That issue is likely to become a centerpiece of negotiations over the next month, she said. She would not say whether she thinks the skate park should be closed.
Nearly 100 Shalercrest residents have signed a petition supporting the skate park, Shaler Manager Tim Rogers said.
Creagh, the township engineer, said "a large contingent" of Shalercrest residents asked for the skate park at a February community meeting. He said the feedback from residents has been mainly positive.
Dennis Sullivan, 52, a resident of Shalercrest and member of the association's board, said his 5-year-old grandson is itching to try the skate park.
"I'm just glad that it's open," Sullivan said. "It's bringing a lot of joy to the kids up there."
