How To Skate

Rockco: Skate Park in "horrible condition," closing for repairs

Calling the ramps in deplorable condition and a safety hazard, Harrison County officials have decided to temporarily close the entire Skate Park Thursday. The move will give them time to assess the damage, start the renovations and a thorough cleaning.

Harrison County Supervisor Connie Rockco said she informed the county administrator about the problems after a walk- through of the property recently. Just look at the wooden ramps and you'll see why Harrison County officials call them a liability. There are buckled plywood, exposed nails, and large holes.     

Rockco said the ramps at the Skate Park and Hockey Complex are in "horrible condition." She also pointed out that the air conditioning system needs repairs. And she said the bathrooms, kitchen equipment, and floors need to be cleaned.

"The county is closing the entire park to renovate it and clean it up.  We want it to be a happy place for families again," Rockco said.

"It's a shame to see it closed. I don't know what all those kids are going to do," said Melissa Hall, President of the Mississippi Roller Girls.

The move came as a surprise to members of the Mississippi Roller Girls.  The team has been practicing and playing at the complex since 2008.  Members spent Wednesday removing their furniture, clothing, and equipment from the storage area in one of the buildings.

"Girls were crying. I was a little overwhelmed, not sure what to do, where we're going to go," said Hall. "We come here three times a week. We play all of our games here. We don't know what we're going to do without this place."

Austin Dumas of Biloxi has been skateboarding at the park for the last ten years.

"I've personally put my own money into the park, building ramps and rails," said Dumas. "The park would never have looked the way it was if it had been taken care of properly in the first place."

County Administrator Pam Ulrich said the county is in charge of maintaining the property.    However, she said the company that manages the park, CJ and B, has not notified her office about the deteriorating condition.

Once the park closes on Thursday, county crews will assess the extent of the damage and determine how long the repairs will take. Ulrich added that the park has closed several times before for repairs and cleaning.

Ulrich also said CJ and B has not paid the county its share of the park fees collected from members for several months now.  And she said the county has not received a monthly schedule of events and tournaments.

There's Still Time for Skating Fun! « Skater's Quest

From 11:30-12:30 at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Fairfax, VA.  During the Skater’s Quest FREE Learn to Inline Skate Clinics, you will learn the basics of inline skating including the proper use of your protective gear, how to get moving and how to use that heel brake to stop.  Supervised practice time is built in. This monthly program is perfect for those who have never tried inline skating or for those that would like to get back to the basics.  Take a test drive in Rollerblade brand skates and protective gear! Beginner Inline Skating Group Lesson Sessions – Improve your skills with a professional instructor and a friendly group of people just like you.  In our Group Lessons you will develop knowledge, confidence, and skills, so kids of all ages can enjoy the endless freedom that skating has to offer. These lessons follow our progression of skills .  The cost is $85 per session of 4 1-hour Group Lessons or $25 per lesson. We have skates and protective gear for you to use at no additional cost if you do not own your own skates.

The following are our last two Beginner Group Lesson Sessions for 2011:

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