Roanoke Rapids City Council gave its consent Tuesday for the parks and recreation department to continue working with a group of skateboarders to develop a do-it-yourself park on a portion of the unused tennis courts at Emry Park.

City Manager Kelly Traynham said in documents contained in the agenda package that she and Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon met at the park to discuss the scope of the project. “We determined that this is a viable project to remove the blight and meet the recreational needs of our citizens with support from the community.”

Simeon said the courts have been discussed over the last several years in budget sessions. “We got some figures to repurpose them, we got some figures to remove them.”

Simeon told the council the idea of the Emry skatepark proposal is different from the skatepark the city has at T.J. Davis. “We’re in the infancy stage. We’re just getting started. The city manager and I have met with them twice — a very productive meeting.”

He told the group, “I applaud the way you’ve gone about this. You’ve been very mature, respectful and you’ve done it the right way … That makes our job that much easier to communicate with you.”

Justin Kerr, one the skaters behind the project, said, “We enjoy and love the skatepark we have. We’re very thankful for that.”

But, he said, the park at T.J. can be aggressive. “My little girl is 4 and even I can’t skate everything out there.”

A trip to Williamston helped him and others come up with the idea for the Emry project. “They got one about a year ago. It's very mellow, beginner-friendly. There were folks from all over — Greenville, Raleigh on a hundred-degree day still out there hanging out and skateboarding and having a good time.”

The group saw that the Emry courts were in disarray, Kerr said. “We thought maybe that would be a good spot.”

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Overview

Brandon Woodard discussed some of the benefits of the park, saying it would positively impact the city’s youth. “I’m confident that your endorsement and advocacy for this initiative can make a significant difference in its success.”

Skateboarding is a way for youth to stay active, he said, as well as helping them to build their confidence and skills. “A well-designed beginner skatepark can provide a safe and inclusive environment for budding skaters of all ages.”

Woodard said the park could serve as a hub for community engagement. “Some of the benefits will include youth development. A skatepark offers an outlet for physical activity, creative activity and personal growth. It can provide a positive alternative for young people and keep them engaged in healthy, productive activities.”

He told the council the park would help utilize an unused space and has the potential to make Emry a multi-faceted facility with the goal of drawing more families, friends and neighbors to bond, watch skaters and enjoy other benefits of the park.

“A well-designed skatepark has the potential to attract visitors from neighboring areas, boosting local businesses such as cafes, shops and restaurants — furthering community resilience,” Woodard said.

Using a portion of the courts as a skatepark could also help reduce the risk associated with skating in inappropriate areas, which would enhance the safety of skaters and pedestrians, he said.

In asking the council for its support, Woodard said, he requested advocacy to help garner broader community backing and raise awareness of the positive impacts of the park. “With your advocacy we can also apply for additional support from organizations such as the Skatepark Project.”

The group plans to diligently seek grants, he said, as well as investments from the community and the investments of the skaters. “We also request that the city please consider advocating for the allocation of resources if available within the city budget.”

Woodard said community engagement is needed as well as leadership involvement.

The group believes that Emry is a valuable and versatile park, he told the council, “and the DIY skatepark is just one activity that can draw the community together. We envision this can be a space for food trucks, a farmers market and general gathering — similar to Central Park in downtown Durham. A multi-use park could be a valuable space for families in the community.”

Council comments

Councilman Carl Ferebee said, “We definitely need to do something with the piece of property. We definitely want to look at the cost as well.”

He said he would like to see the group continue to work on the information. “At the same I would like to see additional proposals for that piece of property as well.”

Councilman Rex Stainback said he liked the idea that was proposed. “The first skatepark over at T.J. Davis is sort of an advanced skatepark. I do know just by riding by and looking at it I’ve got in my mind it’s a very affordable sport.”

Mayor Emery Doughtie said he would support the proposal.

“I think it’s a good idea, especially at Emry Park,” Councilman Wayne Smith said.

Council member Sandra Bryant said she wasn’t opposed to the idea but said there have been other suggestions such as pickleball courts or a dog park. “I’m excited that people are interested and want to go on and build something and hopefully finance it … I agree it sounds like a good idea but we want to make sure it’s going to be open, that everybody’s going to feel like they can participate and have opportunities for using it.

“Maybe one or two of those other ideas that have been tossed out, we can consider that. It’s a great park for walking … It needs to be utilized more so I’m not opposed to considering it.”

Kerr said he was pleased with the response and the support the group received during the discussion. “I think the city council was pleased to see people from the community come forward with ideas to improve the community. I’d also like to thank Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon and City Manager Kelly Traynham for working with us and making sure this is done the right way.”