Pocono News Section

Skate Park Coming to Tioga County

Skate Park Coming to Tioga County - Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 5:55PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 @ 05:55pm EST
Blossburg, Tioga County-

Extreme athletes in one part of Tioga County will soon have a new place to practice their skills. A skate park with all kinds of equipment is in the works at Blossburg's Island Park on Water Street.

Ramps, rails, skateboards, and bikes took center stage at the park on Tuesday. Riders showed their stuff during a demonstration for the community.

16-year-old Eddy Jackson moved here from California.

Jackson, of Wellsboro, said, "It was awesome that I got to see a lot more skateboarders because I don't see too many and it just brought everybody out. And I like all the rails and everything they had set up. It was perfect. This is probably the most fun I've had skateboarding in Pennsylvania."

Riders from Blossburg, Wellsboro, and Mansfield tried out all the different equipment. They'll give their input on which stuff they'd like to see included in Blossburg's proposed skate park.

The goal is to keep riders safe, and off the streets.

Joann Collister, a parent from Blossburg, noted, "It's going to give our children something to do and it'll keep them out of trouble and it's just a nice area for the kids to do this."

The Blossburg community group V. I.B. E., or Visions in Business and Entertainment, hosted the event.

V. I.B. E. Vice-President Jill Nickerson explained, "We need something for those kids that just don't play basketball, or don't play baseball. And this is exactly what they're looking for."

Judging by the kids' reactions, the skate park is shaping up to be a huge success.

12-year-old Jacobs Myers, of Blossburg, said, "I like it because there are not really very many places to skate. And I think everyone else is having fun.”

The idea for the Blossburg skate park has been in the works for several years now. It'll cost about $60,000, with $40,000 covered by a state grant.

The park is expected to open sometime in October.