Donations roll in for proposed skate park in Harrisburg, Ore.

Jill Aho

Aug. 25, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- HARRISBURG -- When a $220,000 state parks and recreation grant fell through, it appeared that Harrisburg's hopes of building a skate park near Harrisburg Middle School had stalled.

But that's before an anonymous donor stepped up to keep the project moving.

City Administrator Bruce Cleeton said the project is in good financial shape, with the latest big-dollar donor offering nearly the same amount as the unrealized grant. In another cost-saving move, the Harrisburg School District has agreed to sell a quarter-acre parcel of land along Smith Street for the skate park for $30,000, or $10,000 less than what the city was originally expecting to pay.

Skateboarder Brady Borcher, 14, of Harrisburg, attended several meetings to show his support for the new 10,000-square-foot skate park. He said he was surprised when the city did not receive the grant.

"But I'm really glad someone donated for the skate park. I'm really happy," he said.

The skate park is expected to cost about $375,000. Cleeton said the city had yet to donate anything other than staff time, but also has pledged $20,000. The city now expects to begin construction this fall, though with an uncertain completion date.

"Skateboarding has proven over the years to be a form of recreational activity that has stood the test of time, so to speak," Cleeton said. "If you don't have a skate park for the kids to recreate in, your city becomes a skate park."

Borcher said he's been trying to get his friends interested in skating now that the park is about to become a reality.

"Harrisburg doesn't have a lot of hangouts for kids," he said, comparing his town to Junction City, which has a swimming pool. "Plus, I skate, so it's perfect. I can hang out with my buddies and skate at the same time."

Several senior citizens donated to fund the skate park, beginning with Harrisburg retirees Bill and Lois Morse, who contributed $100,000 to jump-start the project. Carolyn Claassen joined them by kicking in $1,000 to start a bank account for area residents wishing to contribute.

Businesses also have committed to providing materials for free or at cost, Cleeton said. One is Knife River, which offered concrete and rebar at cost, rock and fill dirt for a hauling fee and erosion-control fencing at no cost. Cleeton estimated the value of the donation at $35,000. Eagle Veneer, a local mill, also agreed to donate about $800 worth of construction materials.

Cleeton said the city must still navigate some wetland issues on the property before construction can begin.

He said the city would like to acknowledge donors on a sign at the park and put benches in, so even though it is approaching its $375,000 fundraising goal, "we're finding other things it would be nice to have some funds for." Donations are still being accepted in an account at Citizen's Bank.

"When we put this skate park in, all of a sudden there's going to be a lot more kids taking up the sport," said Cleeton, predicting an added benefit of encouraging kids to exercise. "It should be a great step forward in the city's goal to provide parks and recreation opportunities for people of all ages."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0061-27680563