The Virginian-Pilot
©
VIRGINIA BEACH
The city's only indoor skate park has closed.
Skate High owner David Koehler-Pfotenhauer said financial difficulties, including a city requirement to install a fire detection and alarm system, triggered the shutdown.
"It all boils down to not being able to produce enough revenue to sustain the park," he wrote in a note to skateboarders on the park's website.
Koehler-Pfotenhauer said he fell behind on rent and bills. The power was shut off last week, he said. Customers were invited Sunday afternoon for a final skate session in the Strawbridge-area building that holds a maze of mini-half pipes, rails and a bowl. The business was in the former Strawbridge Skating Center roller rink.
After opening in 2009, Skate High began hosting bands to help make money. The facility's dual use as a concert space triggered the need for a fire detection and alarm system, said Curtis Muller, a city plans examiner.
"It's part of the building code," he said.
Koehler-Pfotenhauer estimated it would cost $7,700 to install the system, money he says he doesn't have.
The closure leaves Mike'Sk8 Park in Norfolk as the area's remaining indoor skate park. Manager Tim Bateman said business there is going well.
Koehler-Pfotenhauer said he's holding out slim hope that someone will step forward to help him with money.
"We're hoping maybe an investor will come in," he said. "We're still keeping our fingers crossed."
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
Sorry... The park is not that good.
Let's face it. Knee High closed down because not enough kids like skating there! Virginia Beach has the Mount Trashmore and Woodstock parks. A new 20,000 square foot park at Williams Farms near Diamond Springs will be done this spring. Quit crying. Skate tough or go home!
http://www.altdaily.com/features/entertainment/sports/the-future-of-skateparks-in-virginia-beach.html
funding
I think a few folks have missed some things that were outlined in the article. The power was turned off and they were behind in their rent. The park was not generating enough revenue to cover basic overhead. No wonder they could not afford a new sprinkler system. There have been many attempts at skate parks in this area over the years. MikeSk8 Park is still open in Norfolk. Although AG in Newport News is still there, even they were just recently taken over by different owners. I'll bet when the weather is bad the indoor parks do OK. But most of the time they are competing with the "free" outdoor parks.
Its a shame
Between all the government, state and local regulations it makes it very hard for the small business owner to survive.
Yeah but dying in a fire
Yeah but dying in a fire because of negligent owner would suck.
Seriously People
We all have to pay taxes. Our youth lose a facility where they can skate indoors out of the elements and all you can do is complain about taxes.....doesnt seem right...seems we should be helping businesses that support our children and keep them off the street.
A good investment
With all the money the communities here toss around, you'd think they could provide safe, indoor skating areas for all those that enjoy such activities. Especially since such sports get people out from playing computer games. Indoor skating facilities should be assisted in any way possible by local government.
Why keep it going?
If few are using the indoor skate park, why waste money keeping it going? VB has no shortage of skateboarding youths. Just because you build it doesn't necessarily imply that they will come. Clearly, kids and parents have spoken with their wallets.
Hey,
I say send the kids who want to skate over to the new Gazebo at Princess Anne Road and Witchduck. The taxpayers were stuck with a $212,000 bill for that structure, may as well use it for something.....
Why?
How is it that the city can spend millions on public golf courses that go broke but can't chip in a few bucks for a skate park. Why doesn't the city buy it and pay this guy to run it and make it a part of Parks and Rec.?
Virginia Beach Development
Virginia Beach Development Authority spent almost $213,000.00 on the golf course last year. Playing not building. This guy needs help. I don't think he is going to get rich, but it keeps the kids in a good place.