By Lacie Morrison
lmorrison@mineralwellsindex.com
The Mineral Wells skate park is $10,000 closer to completion thanks to a grant awarded by the Tony Hawk Foundation.
According to a press release issued by the foundation, Mineral Wells was one of 29 communities who received monies for the Fall 2007 grant application period. In fact, of the four Texas towns to receive grants, Mineral Wells was awarded the highest amount.
“The Tony Hawk Foundation Board of Directors voted … to award 29 grants worth $255,000 for the construction of new public skate parks in low-income communities across the U.S.,” stated the release.
According to the TFS Web site, the foundation considers skate park projects that are in low-income areas, demonstrates a strong grassroots commitment to the project and is in an area where skateboarding facilities aren’t available, among other things.
THF Executive Director Miki Vuckovich told the Index Tuesday they are sending out the grant packets to the recipients this week. He said the winners were initially notified by e-mail in mid-December.
“It’s a construction grant,” Vuckovich explained. “We just need to see the park’s finished.” He said there is a 24-month deadline for project completion with six-month reports on the park’s status.
Mineral Wells City Manager Lance Howerton confirmed they received notice prior to Christmas.
“We had a very good indication in mid-December we were in the mix,” he said. “We want to know what terms, conditions or stipulations come with the grant money.”
When selecting Mineral Wells as one of the recipients, Vuckovich said, “We really just look at certain key indicators such as need and efforts. … Mineral Wells scored really well.”
He said a number of things included in the application “all tell us the about the community.” Vuckovich added that by ensuring involvement by the community and the skaters, “they are doing something significant in their community [and] contributing to future generations of skaters. … Ultimately, we want to see those kids have somewhere to go.”
The city manager reported that the skate park has an estimated project cost of $110,000 to $120,000. He said the city is meeting with the citizen’s group this week to see how much money is available for the project. The skate park will be located in the southeast part of West City Park and open to the public without fees or supervision.
The City of Mineral Wells has allocated $60,000 for the park, Howerton remarked. “We’re getting close to hopefully seeing where we are. It’s all beginning to come into focus this week.”
A flyer distributed by the citizen’s group states that as of Jan. 1, they have pledged from “other local donors” a total of $31,000 for the skate park.
Not including donations in his calculations, Howerton said, “We have some cost estimates or quotes on building the concrete slab of about $25,000. We’re going to provide benches and tables for $2,500, signage is about $500 and additional lighting around the park is estimated at $1,500. The infrastructure is right around $30,000.”
With half of the city’s allocated funds used for the park’s infrastructure, Howerton said $30,000 remained for equipment.
“The total estimate for equipment is $73,000,” he remarked. “That still leaves around $40,000 to finish out the project as it is right now.”
Local News
City skates to Tony Hawk park grant
- Local News
-
-
1950s Sock Hop event to benefit Salvation Army
The community is invited to take a trip back to the 1950s as a unique way to raise money for the Salvation Army.
-
Council to meet in Tuesday session
The Mineral Wells City Council is scheduled to meet in regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the City Hall Annex, 115 S.W. 1st St.
-
Ware to speak at Heritage Association
RJ Ware will be the guest speaker at Thursday’s meeting of the Mineral Wells Heritage Association.
-
Currency buyers event coming to town
Mineral Wells is the next stop on the list for the International Coin Collectors Association’s world tour. During this event at the Best Western Club House Hotel Inn and Suites, 4410 U.S. Highway 180 East, the ICCA will be purchasing coins, paper currency, gold and silver on behalf of their global network of collectors, dealers and refineries.
-
PET OF THE WEEK: Catahoula mix looking for a new place to call home
“Capt. Jack” is a short hair, mixed-breed dog – mostly Catahoula leopard – with an intriguing red merle-patterned coat. This approximately 2-year-old, 55-pound male also has one blue eye and one brown eye. He will need to be fixed as part of his adoption.
-
Rising Stars to host Gibson exhibit, event
Rising Stars Art Gallery is hosting an evening of food, fun, music and – of course, art – on Friday, Feb. 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
-
MWHS theater group to host art exhibit, auction
Mineral Wells Ram Theatre is hosting an art exhibit and auction on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Mineral Wells Women’s Club building in downtown Mineral Wells.
-
Police Beat: Thefts, burglaries reported
According to Mineral Wells police reports, there were a number of property crimes reported over the past few days.
-
Thursday Blotter
The following people were processed through the Palo Pinto County Jail.
-
Driver killed in rollover wreck
The driver of a vehicle involved in a rollover crash just south of Mineral Wells Tuesday night died at the scene, according to authorities.
- More Local News Headlines
-
1950s Sock Hop event to benefit Salvation Army
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
