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*** Othello May Add Skate Park Next Year ***

Othello, Washington -- 03/04/2009



Professional skateboarder John Mohs made a presentation at the
Othello City Council workshop Monday to demonstrate different
types of parks the city could consider adding.

Mohs, who was raised in Othello and now lives in Moses Lake,
has offered to assist in the design process should council members
decide to add a skate park to the 2010 budget.

“I grew up skateboarding right here in Othello,” Mohs said.
“We skated at the high school and at Lions Park using home
made ramps.”

The meeting opened with a video presentation of different
skateboard parks across the U.S., including some in Washington
state. The first park is at Orcas Island, which Mohs said was one
of the original parks built by skateboarders for skateboarders.

“It’s a traditional style, with elements that emulate a swimming
pool,” he said. “Skateboarding originated from surfing.”

One of the strong selling points is a full range of difficulty for all
levels, which Mohs said is a drawback to the Moses Lake park.

“It’s a beginner-type park,” he said.
“It’s good for learning tricks, but not
for reaching full potential.”

Mohs said skateboarding is huge in popularity right now and is
a growing sport. The best parks, he said, are those that are built
for multi-use, such as rollerblades and BMX bikes.

“That’s the way to go,” Mohs said.

Building a skate park can be somewhat spendy. They start at
$45,000 and increase in cost from there. However, Mohs said,
they are easily adapted to phased construction and have a long
life expectancy.

“Cement lasts a lifetime,” he said.

He recommended an area of about 10,000 square feet as a
decent size. It would allow for a variety of terrains. “If you
get the right terrain, older people can still use it,” Mohs said.
“I know guys in the Tri-Cities who are 45 and 50 and still
skateboarding.”

Younger skateboarders do need to take precautions, though.
“You do need to be a parent and not let little ones go without
supervision,” Mohs said. “There is a lot of activity going on.”

He said 50 to 60 kids use the Richland park after school each
day. “Just having the outlet means a growth in the sport,” he
said. “These outlets encourage kids to use a facility without
getting into trouble.” That means skate parks are typically
self-policing.

“Older kids teach the younger kids,” Mohs said.

Mayor Shannon McKay said the council will continue discussion
on a skate park through the rest of the year. “It may be in next
year’s budget,” he said.

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