Ann Arbor Skatepark gets $400K match from Washtenaw County

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

Washtenaw County is providing a potential cash infusion for the Ann Arbor's Skatepark plans, pledging to match up to $400,000 for the project.

"They're pretty confident they can raise this amount of money," says Bob Tetens, director of the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation. "We couldn't fund the whole thing but we could serve as a catalyst for their efforts."

Ann Arbor has been working to establish a skatepark for years, which is a bit out of character for a town that often sees itself as a leader in progressive causes and recreational offerings. Local volunteers and officials plan to build the city's first skatepark at Veterans Park near the corner of Maple and Miller roads on the city's northwest side. The cause has gained momentum in recent years.

"You want to invest money in successful programs," Tetens says. "There is clearly a groundswell of grass roots support for this project and a lot of institutional support."

He sees the skatepark serving a regional draw that should make Veterans Park, with its baseball fields and sledding hill, an even more intensely used park.

"I fully expect people to be driving 2-3 hours there to take advantage of it," Tetens says.

Source: Bob Tetens, director of the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
Writer: Jon Zemke