Since the Roundhouse Skatepark opened in Mattoon on Logan Avenue last fall, action sports enthusiasts have used it nonstop.

David Wortman, public works director for Mattoon, said a skatepark was needed.

“(Local skateboarders/BMX riders) were skating around town in areas where they

would run into pedestrians,” Wortman said.

Before construction Wortman confronted the local skateboard community as to what they wanted and discussed possible building materials – concrete or steel.

“We had ARC (American Ramp Company) come by and do a demonstration and the skaters seemed to like it. but that’s very standard,” Wortman said.

“I went out and talked to skaters on the street. I said ‘what do you want?'” Wortman said.

Wortman said the skaters were OK with steel, but preferred concrete. They want street terrain, he said.

“The entire (skatepark) cost approximatly $150,000; Id say we got a lot for our money,” Wortman said.

Since the skateparks completion, it has been an asset to the community.

“(The skatepark is) absolutely amazing-it’s got a lot more use than I expected. Wortman said. “On a sunny day I’ll see 50 to 60 kids out there.”

Wortman said the skatepark has been a good investment.

“It has satisfied a local need. It’s also brought in skaters from outside of town,” said Wortman.

Jeff Connelly, 18, a BMX bicycle rider, lives in Mattoon and is a regular at the skatepark.

“(The skatepark) makes me feel pumped, it feels good to ramp really high,” Connelly said. “Before the skatepark I didn’t have anything to do at all.”

Jason Taylor, Mattoon Police Department Deputy Chief, said that the skatepark has given the youth a positive venue for entertainment.

“We used to have a problem with kids skating downtown,” Taylor said.

According to Wortman, only one fault remains with the skatepark.

“I wish it could have been bigger,” Wortman said.

The Mattoon Police Department said only one injury has been reported since the skateparks’ opening, a broken arm.

Charles LeGrand can be reached at 581-7942 or crlegrand@eiu.edu

Jeff Connelly, 18, performs a BMX trick called a “fastplant,” at the Roundhouse Skatepark, in Matoon Ill. on May 23, 2010. Connelly is a high school senior and has been riding BMX for three years. Charles LeGrand

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