Residents Push for Skate Park in Glen Cove

A long-standing city ordinance that restricts skateboarding in Glen Cove has led many residents and enthusiasts of the sport to push for the construction of a skate park in the area.

Skateboarding, a common recreational activity, has turned into a legal matter for several Glen Cove youths.

"I've personally gone to the police station 10 times to get my board back, and have received numerous tickets," said 18-year-old resident and skateboarder Chris Priczak. "Kids have been confronted for the mere possession of a skateboard, let alone riding them. Authorities around the city have said the only place we can skate is in our backyards." 

While many residents have called the skateboard ban unfair, the ordinance is not without merit. Several skaters have adopted downtown's terrain as their training ground, obstructing traffic, pedestrians, and businesses in the area–potentially leading to hazardous conditions.

Many, like Priczak, have chosen to seek alternate locations to practice their hobbies: "We don't like to deal with this stuff," Priczak said. "A skateboard park in Glen Cove is not only necessary, but in high demand".

The scores of skaters and bikers haven't only gotten the attention of police and downtown-goers; some private businesses have taken note and several proprietors have considered getting onboard the project to bring a high-tech skate park to Glen Cove.

Dr. John Turman, owner of  on Forest Avenue, is at the forefront of those who wish to bring a park to the city.

Turman said he first approached city officials, specifically the Recreation Department, in the summer of 2009 to present plans for the park. The city showed an interest in the park and said they were looking for people to build a park in the city, according to Turman.

Turman, along with a representative from California and city officials from numerous departments, sat down to discuss plans for a skate park in November 2009.  A computer simulation of what the park would look like was presented to the city.

While anybody can build a private business, a permit from the planning board and/or zoning board is required. Turman said that all he needed was a site provided by the city.

The project's price tag is estimated at $450,000.

Turman requested land from the city that he would lease at fair market value. He also requested that the city provide assistance with skate park security.

Aside from city assistance, Turman said he would receive grant money from the Tony Hawk Foundation–an organization which aims to help fund skate parks–with several stipulations: "The park would accommodate lower-income families who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity, and we'd charge on a sliding scale," said Turman. "Still, the park would be very affordable to the average skater, as a 3-hour pass would run $8." 

As another stipulation, proponents of the park were required to conduct a fundraiser in order to show ample demand for a skate park in the area. Turman said that the fundraiser was a success.

While there has been high demand for the park, one issue has prevented the project from becoming a reality: the selection of a suitable location.

There has been four potential sites: Pascucci Field on Cedar Swamp Road, the tennis courts behind , the Konica building on Charles Street, and   on Morris Avenue–which was the front-running location.

While Mayor Ralph Suozzi said that the most suitable location for the park is at City Stadium, next to the , the land is not available until after 2012.

Additionally, the Suozzi administration offered Turman land at the basketball court next to field three at City Stadium. However, both Suozzi agreed said that land does not provide sufficient space for the park, according to Turman.

Turman said that he was also interested in the area next to Pascucci field as a potential site, which would provide ample parking and lights, and isn't currently being used, but he was told the site wasn't available due to the ongoing .

The other sites–which Turman said are less suitable than City Stadium and Cedar Swamp Road–first included the Tappan Road tennis courts, currently controlled by the  

Turman said park discussions stalled in September of 2010 after the city offered him the old Konica building for $13 million.

Currently, Turman is at the helm of a similar project in Central Islip, a 163,000 square foot project which includes a skate park with indoor facilities for baseball, football, and lacrosse.

Still, Turman said he is interested in a park for Glen Cove. 

"I heard of a kid–a student–16-years-old, with a single mother. They're barely getting by. He appeared in court for skateboarding in the city and his mother was given a $150 ticket. I don't think that's right," said Turman.

Turman said that he thinks public awareness will spark interest in the park: "I'm open to try again with the project, my doors are always open. I'm hoping the city will be willing to negotiate, as I've spent a fortune in time and money on the project," he said. "Not only would this park be absolutely beautiful, it is essential for the youth of Glen Cove."