Should Eau Claire Subsidize Skateboarding?

Written By: Travis Buhler  |  Posted: Monday, June 27th, 2011

            The money to build a new skateboarding park at Lakeshore Park in Eau Claire is near completion after famous skater Tony Hawk donated $5,000 to the city of Eau Claire through his Tony Hawk Foundation.  He joins Scheels sporting store and the Eau Claire Community Foundation in contributing monies to the $23,000 that the City itself has set aside to build the $34,500 park. 

            The city council says that the purpose for building the park is to provide recreation for its citizens. As of now, the cost to use the facility will be free once it is built.  Skateboarders in Eau Claire have voiced frustration over the costs of using the YMCA facility on Galloway Street.  Since forming the Eau Claire Skaters Association, they have raised $500 and are calling for more fundraising ideas and activities through their Facebook page stating, "the more money we raise, the better park we can get."

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