*** Moses Lake Concrete Park? Skaters Vs. BMXers ***

Moses Lake, Washington ( Gene`s BMX News ) -- 04/07/2005
At a City of Moses Lake Parks and Recreation Commission
Meeting on March 9th 2005 some people made a recommendation
of a concrete park that would accommodate bmxers and skaters
and everyone’s needs.

Some comments at the meeting where made that the BMXers
were upset that their new track did not have jumps, half pipes, etc.,
and both bikers and skaters are butting heads and making it tuff for
both to co-exist.

Josh Mohs, owner of the Moses Lake Skate Shop said that
skateboarders are having trouble with bikers because the new
BMX track does not meet the needs of freestyle bikers.
So the bikers end up riding there bikes at the skate park.

Mohs is pushing for a new concrete skate park to be built in the area.

A parent of a skateboarder, addressed the Moses Lake commission
stating that the skateboarders were appalled at the recent vandalism.
http://www.genesbmx.com/moseslake-vandalism-news.jpg

She also stated that the BMXers were upset that their new track
did not have jumps, half pipes, etc., and that skateboarders are
bullied by bikers.

Commissioners suggested that the skateboarders organize and become
a non-profit organization with members committed to see the project
through to the end.

Only time will tell if we will see a concrete park in Moses Lake that
would accommodate everyone’s needs allowing skateboarders and
bikers to co-exist.
~
Here is a coppy of the March 9, 2005 City of Moses Lake
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes..........
Coppyed from Meeting Minutes and cut in tojust this topic of
in the Minutes. ( Skate Park - Josh Mohs ) source PDF Link below.

~~ Skate Park - Josh Mohs
Mr. Dennis introduced Josh Mohs, owner of the
Moses Lake Skate Shop, to the commission.

Mr. Mohs stated that he came to the commission on behalf of the
local skateboarders of Moses Lake. In light of the recent vandalism
that occurred at the Moses Lake Skate Park, he submitted a letter to
the Parks and Recreation Commission proposing some solutions and
possible upgrades to the existing skateboard park.

While writing the letter suggesting upgrades to the park he realized
the park was far below the standards of current skate parks.

Mr. Mohs explained that he is a sponsored skateboarder who travels
and competes at the amateur level, and on a scale of 1-10 the Moses
Lake Skate Park is a three. Skateboarders are thankful for the park,
but those who use the park would like to have had input on the original
design and the upgrades made in 1994.

He suggested creating a facility committee of local skateboarders
to work with city staff regarding future upgrades, and ultimately to
develop a modern concrete skate park that would accommodate
skateboarders and bikers. A good skate park is made out of
concrete, which is more versatile, weather resistant and literally
maintenance free.

New concrete parks can be found in Leavenworth, Spokane and Richland.
Commissioners were shown slides of Leavenworth, Spokane and Richland’s
skate parks..

Mr. Mohs stated that skateboarders are having trouble with bikers
because the new BMX track does not meet the needs of freestyle bikers.

Rob Carpenter addressed the commission stating that he helped
get the original skate park developed, but did not have input in the
design of the park. He would like to see the new generation of skaters
have input. Companies are willing to come in and sit down with city
staff and skateboarders to meet both of their needs.

Mr. Carpenter commented that concrete skate parks are the
way of the future. Skateboarders travel to these parks, and
bring additional revenue into those communities.

Mr. Mohs noted that Richland received grants from the state to
help finance the construction of their $300,000 concrete skate park.
He inquired as to the process to get started to have a concrete park
built in Moses Lake.

Mr. Dennis asked if the current location was large
enough to accommodate a concrete skate park.

Mr. Mohs stated the current location was too small and would
like to see it located across from the police station or behind city
hall. Possibly the skate park equipment could be sold to another
city or donated.

Mr. Gonzalez explained that three builders from the northwest
made presentations to the commission on the type of park being
discussed. A 150 x150 concrete park cost approximately $140,000.

Mr. Kirwan gave Mr. Mohs the site plan of the
Richland park he had printed off the internet.

After considerable discussion commissioners suggested the
skateboarders organize and become a non-profit organization
with members committed to see the project through to the end.

Colleen Allison, parent of a skateboarder, addressed the commission
stating that the skateboarders were appalled at the recent vandalism.

She stated that the BMXers were upset that their new track
did not have jumps, half pipes, etc., and that skateboarders
are bullied by bikers.

Mrs. Allison spoke with officials on how to raise money and get
volunteers. She explained that a concrete park would accommodate
everyone’s needs allowing skateboarders and bikers to co-exist.
She suggested putting an age limit on the use of the park unless
a parent is present to supervise.

Commissioners gave the skateboarders their full support, suggesting
they use their contacts as sponsored skateboarders to gather expert
input, and to contact Richland for information on the grants they
received to build the park.

Mr. Gonzalez and Mrs. Anderson volunteered to
help the group organize and become a non-profit.

Mr. Dennis thanked the group and invited
them back if they needed additional information.

CC - City of Moses Lake http://www.ci.moses-lake.wa.us
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes March 9, 2005
http://www.ci.moses-lake.wa.us/files/agendas/358_PR03_09_05.pdf

ACC -
Moses Lake BMX -
http://www.genesbmx.com/moseslake-bmx.html
Moses Lake Skate Park -
http://www.genesbmx.com/moseslake-skate-park.html

Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
All Things Northwest in BMX!
***** Gene`s BMX *****
http://www.genesbmx.com