Downtown Art Gallery 630 (Houma)
March 24, 2011"On the Air" (New Orleans)
March 28, 2011
Nine-year-old Ben Chabert sat on the floor closely inspecting six panels that showed an artist’s conception of a proposed skate park that could be built in Houma.
“That’s cool,” Chabert said when asked what he thought of the possibility of such a recreational facility being placed under consideration by the Terrebonne Parish Council.
Chabert, like a lot of youngsters his age and older, have had to resort to playing in the street and other places in an effort to participate in an activity they enjoy. “I mostly skate in my yard,” he said and admitted that his current options do not come easily.
In a measure presented last Wednesday by Councilman Kevin Voisin, and unanimously approved to be passed to the community development committee for a feasibility study, the council was asked to consider putting to use a section of parish property currently not being used on Valhi Boulevard at Wimberly Way for a skate park along with a walking and bicycle trail.
Voisin explained that when former Bayou Cane Fire Chief Jerry Gautreaux lost his battle against cancer at this time last year, he left $10,000 for the construction of a skate park for local youths to enjoy.
Voisin said that in addition to offering a venue for a popular outdoor activity, having such a park would add to the quality of life factor and be a marketable addition to the parish.
Councilwoman Teri Cavalier was among those who voiced support for the park and said it gets kids outside and physically active rather than allowing them an excuse to remain indoors to entertain themselves only with television or computer games.
“This is a joint effort of a whole lot of people,” Voisin said. “A whole lot of people want this including other councilmen. This is really less about the specifics [of a park] and more about if it is attainable.”
Approximately 25 supporters along with representatives from Duplantis Design Group presented conceptual ideas and told of the benefits they considered with a combination skate park, walking track and bicycle trail.
Chris Pulaski is a skater and has children that are skaters. He said that if approved he thought a skate park in Houma would be the fifth such facility in the state. He is also among the backers who have been investigating the possibility of adding this facility to the community.
“The park would be designed by a professional design firm,” Pulaski said. “This is just the beginning. We’ve discussed safety and there is still a lot to be done. We will recommend that users use protective gear [including helmets, knee and elbow pads].”
Pulaski said such a facility could be built in stages and touted the health benefits. “My kids spend most of their time outside, but they have to skate in the street and the driveway. I drive around and see kids everywhere. There was a kid injured while skating right here in the parking garage on Main Street.”
No details for a stake park plan have been established. But based on the designs that were offered simply to give those in attendance a visual aid, the park could be triangular in design and cover approximately three acres.
Fully equipped multi-use skate parks such as the one discussed could ultimately range in price from $100,000 on up. It is believed the parish project could gain support from professional skater Tony Hawk.
Even with $10,000 left for the project, additional funding sources are expected to be needed.
Chris Pulaski points out the large number of skate park supporters that made their case for the construction of a skate and bicycle park before the Terrebonne council. MIKE NIXON
