Knoxville skatepark delayed

The park was supposed to open in just a few months.

Plans to build a skatepark in the city of Knoxville have been delayed by up to one year. The city and county have earmarked $500,000 to build the facility, which will eventually call Tyson Park home. The plan was for the UT Women's Softball team to get a new stadium. The skatepark would then occupy the Lady Vols old home at Tyson Park.

Joe Walsh of the Knoxville Parks Department said that plan is still "a matter
of when." But, he the new softball stadium may or may not be ready for the
start of the 2006-2007 season. As a result, construction can not begin at
Tyson Park because the Lady Vols may need the venue for practices or games.

"The skatepark we build here is still going to be an awesome park," Skateboard Shop Owner Brian Beachene said. "It may just be delayed a little bit."

Those trying to build the park hoped to start construction June 1, with the
project finished by October. Now, construction will not start until at least
2007, with construction time a minimum of 90 days.

"They got some momentum going," Walsh said. "Losing that momentum is hard. It's just difficult to keep that momentum going

Walsh said there is no danger of local funds being lost due to the delay.
Backers of the park have been working on several fundraising projects to
enhance the park, but say those efforts could take a hit because people will
not be able to see the finished product as quickly as first thought.

Beachene and others are working to install temporary ramps at other area parks while the delay runs its course. He said skating in public spaces on gear not designed to handle skateboards is dangerous to the skaters, annoying to some business owners, and illegal in some parts of the city.

"Those problems are persisting for the community," Beachene said. "That's not a good thing."

"I can certainly sympathize with the kids," Walsh said. "A year or six months is a lifetime."

Joe Walsh of the Knoxville Parks Department said that plan is still "a matter of when." But, he the new softball stadium may or may not be ready for the start of the 2006-2007 season. As a result, construction can not begin at Tyson Park because the Lady Vols may need the venue for practices or games.