Working under the supervision of Nixa Parks and Recreation director Matt Crouse, together with the American Ramp Company (ARC), Nixa is planning to bring a skate park to Rotary Park. With this addition to the city, the community has a chance to grow closer as skaters in a safe, specialized area. Skaters will now have the space to develop their own skills– from ollies, kickflips and grinds, and show them off to their friends.
The skatepark could be valuable to the city as it will create a new location for skaters to grow closer as a community. Skating is rising in popularity, and by supporting this hobby, the city is providing ways for our youth to connect and meet new people.
The city and ARC held a meeting on Feb. 12 at the X Center where the community could give their criticisms and recommendations, which will greatly increase the likelihood that the park will be gratifying and beneficial.
The skate park has the potential to reduce trespassing and vandalism in the form of damaged property from scraping boards. Areas that are potentially dangerous to skate at, like the concrete ditches next to the streets at Price Cutter, or in unsafe areas in Springfield have been the only option for skaters who want to go beyond the flat streets. However, a skate park here at Nixa will allow aspiring skaters to have a safe, authorized location to practice. This means businesses will have to worry less about scraping on their property and law enforcement will not have to escort trespassers out of private property as often.
Despite the excitement and opportunities the park would bring, it may have unintended consequences. For example, funds originally allocated to projects like streetwork may be redirected to its construction. Additionally, the park has the potential to disrupt the peace in the surrounding areas, be it noise in nearby neighborhoods or people at the park past curfew.
It also may cause friction for others participating in sports. The park would see the volleyball court removed, which may disrupt those who regularly visit it. Moreover, the park is intended to be open to all types of micromobility, including bikes, skates, scooters and more. The various skill levels and types of transportation may cause conflict.
While these potential drawbacks are legitimate concerns, there are counterpoints that should be weighed in. For instance, the funding of the project will come from grants and fundraising in addition to what the city pays. Also, the construction will be split into phases, which will spread the costs over time instead of a single large-scale investment. As for volleyball, the court will not only be removed, but relocated, which will allow players to continue after a short disruption.
Finally, the extension will be 16,000 square feet, which should offer plenty of room for the various skill levels and vehicles that it is open to.
Overall, the plans to add a skate park to Rotary will be a great enhancement to the community since it supports socialization, incorporates us citizens in the plans, offers safety for skaters and businesses, all while efforts are being taken to minimize potential consequences.
