Norfolk is one step closer to a skateboard park

NORFOLK

After a lengthy search for a site that frayed the patience of some City Council members, the city appears set to build a skateboard park at Northside Park.

Darrell Crittendon, who heads the city's parks and recreation department, said he will recommend to the council later this month that the $750,000 facility be built at the park's entrance on Tidewater Drive, north of Southern Shopping Center.

Several council members said they likely will support the proposal, which is welcome news for Norfolk skateboarders.

For years, they have been forced to head to parks in other cities or risk skateboarding on city streets, which is against the law.

"That's just awesome," said Sebastian Stant, 16, a skateboarding enthusiast from Larchmont who spoke to the council about the issue more than two years ago.

Stant and many of his friends have been ticketed for skateboarding on streets.

Crittendon would not put a timeline on opening the facility. It must be approved by the council, then designed with input from local skateboarders.

"But getting a commitment on a site is progress," said Hobbs Bell, 16, who started the Maury High School skateboard club.

Crittendon said the park's design will depend on discussions with skateboarders and his staffers, but it likely will

be an "urban plaza," much like a downtown streetscape, with railings, steps and obstacles.

Frustrated council members have been pressing city staffers to select a location.

Last year, Councilwoman Theresa Whibley called de-lays on the project embarrassing.

Crittendon told the council in December that he preferred building it on the downtown waterfront next to Harbor Park.

Most council members, including Mayor Paul Fraim, objected, however, saying that land should be preserved for development.

Crittendon told the council then that there was not enough land at Northside Park.

Councilman Don Williams, a Willoughby developer, was unconvinced and later superimposed a skateboard park on a map at Northside.

"I knew then that it would work," Williams said.

Williams said he became interested in the issue because his grandson, James Rice, is a skateboarder.

Williams, Vice Mayor Anthony L. Burfoot and others say Northside has advantages not available at Harbor Park - free parking, a playground, restrooms and security.

"It belongs at Northside Park," said Burfoot, who is an avid skateboarder.

Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com