Video by David Corrigan | Voice of Tim Bryan

Skate Park will remain closed, but there’s hope if community can pull together

It was at times a tense meeting at the Cooper Center in Volcano Village on Monday night, as the local community came out in droves to voice their opinion on the fate of the Volcano Skate Park.

The majority of the crowd plead with county and Cooper Center Council representatives not to shutter the skate facility.

A short time ago, skaters were stunned to learn that the Volcano Skate Park had been closed. The county said the problems were due to maintenance issues and liability at the facility.

And, as was suggested by a few area residents in the community during the meeting, some bad behavior at the park was impacting on their quality of life.

But the vast majority of folks at the meeting wanted to keep the facility going, and even offered to help in any way they could. Some other residents say they have heard it all before.

Those who helped to bring the skate park to Volcano years ago were also on hand.

County Parks and Recreation Director Bob Fitzgerald wrapped up the meeting with some thoghts of his own, and said that the county would not be opening up the skate park until an agreement can be reached; one that would alliviate the burden and liability of the skate park from the Cooper Center.

A small group representing the interests of the skaters will meet with the Cooper Center board soon to see what the next step will be.