South Haven skaterboarders to get new space of their own

When South Haven constructed its new water plant the city’s skate park on the South Beach was displaced from where it had been located for about 10 years.

The city temporarily located ramps at the local Lake Michigan College campus, but now Van Buren County has offered a more permanent solution.

City and county officials have agreed to a swap — property for a skate park in return for a boat slip for the Sheriff’s Department for its Marine Patrol. South Haven city council members unanimously approved the agreement Nov. 15.

The county has offered .78 acres of land next to the District Courthouse in South Haven. The site is located adjacent to the proposed pedestrian pathway, a Kal Haven Trail extension, which will connect the site to the downtown.

The county currently has a Marine Patrol slip, but the new slip is located up river and will allow officers quicker access to Lake Michigan. The slip at 156 Dunkley Ave. also has private parking spaces very close by.

The city and county have entered into a 10-year lease agreement. No funds will be exchanged.

The skatepark could be built as early at Spring 2011, but construction plans need to be developed and the city’s parks commission must identify a funding source for the work.

Under terms of the agreement, the county will allow the city to use the site to install a concrete surface, skateboard ramps and related equipment, including barricades, landscape barrier, fencing, and other appurtenances needed to operate, repair and maintain a skate park.

The property will need some site grading, landscape screening, fencing and a concrete slab installed.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Brian Dissette, City of South Haven