Skateboard park proposed for middle school

Boundary County School Board on Tuesday heard a request to allow for the development of a skateboard park on the front lawn of the middle school.

The board expressed concerns, including liability.

“I think injuries, injuries,” school board chairwoman Melanie Staples told Mike Sloan, who made the request.

“I’m not too hot on it,” added school board member Sulet Hiatt.

Sloan, executive director for Boundary County Development Council, would like to find private funds and grants to develop a new skateboard park in Bonners Ferry. Bonners Ferry currently has a skateboard part in the parking lot at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.

“The current park isn’t a good situation,” he told the board. “It’s dangerous and not a place you want to send your kids. It’s not a good environment.”

Sloan proposed the middle school because of its high visibility, and it could be easily monitored by police.

“It would be a close environment to the school,” he said. “It’s safe and could be off limits during school hours.”

Staples suggested Sloan meet with superintendent Dr. Don Bartling, who can take up the issue with administrators.

Sloan in an earlier interview estimated the development of a park would cost $30,000 to $40,000. Fundraising would be required.