Skate park supporters can look forward to using three Channel View tennis courts for skating this summer, but they will have to work around the high school tennis team schedule, the city council decided Monday.

Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Skate park supporters can look forward to using three Channel View tennis courts for skating this summer, but they will have to work around the high school tennis team schedule, the city council decided Monday.

After hearing more than a dozen testimonials from tennis program and skate park supporters, the council reached a compromise between the two groups.

&uot;If the skating people are willing to agree to a time frame, with no guarantees for a future site, I think Channel View could work, at least for the summer,&uot; said councilor Warren Amundson.

According to representative Stan Sevaldson, the skating club would like to get started Memorial Day Weekend with new ramps and equipment.

But several tennis program supporters, along with about 15 high school tennis players, asked the council to keep the three courts at issue suitable for tennis, arguing the courts are necessary for high school practice and hosting tournaments.

&uot;We have a growing program,&uot; said boys tennis coach David Kalis. &uot;We need all the available courts to keep it growing.&uot;

Much discussion on the council revolved around putting the skate park at Morin Park, but it was ultimately discarded in favor of the Channel View courts because it’s adjacent to other recreational facilities such as the swimming pool and basketball courts.

&uot;It would make for a great family setting,&uot; said councilor George Marin, who suggested nearby Frank Hall Park as a possible permanent skate park location.

Skate Park Association president Tony Samudio said the issue isn’t about pitting skate park supporters against tennis supporters. The ultimate goal is to find a permanent location giving skaters a place to legally practice their sport.

City Manager Paul Sparks said the skate club would have to vacate the courts in time for a rehabilitation of the tennis courts before the high school team begins the season in late August. The process would take at least two weeks.

&uot;We need to get started with the club,&uot; said skate park supporter Paul Evenson. &uot;I think this location will do for the summer.&uot;