Palisade’s skate park could re-open by July 10

Palisade’s closed skate park at Memorial Park could re-open about July 10, with a grand opening party in a couple of months.

The Palisade Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, at its meeting on June 26, discussed the progress in re-opening the popular skate park which has been closed for major repairs.

The meeting this month was held at the Palisade Brewery in recognition of Bike to Work Month. Prizes were awarded to about 15 bicyclists at the brewery who registered with the Grand Valley Bike Committee. Members of the board also received prizes.

Donations toward repair of the skate park so far total $5,800, Sarah Brooks, recreation director, reported.

Cody Butters, town trustee and liaison to the recreation board, said she is “so grateful” to Fox Benton and others who have volunteered to make repairs to the skate park. Sabrina Jackman, town recreation programmer, offered to paint the rebuilt park, and add skate culture murals, and to possibly receive help from youngsters.

“It will last longer than three years,” Butters said. The current repairs are consider interim until plans and funding for an improved, permanent, skate park are completed.

The committee raised the question of possibly relocating the skate park in the future. Butters said she would mention it at the next trustees meeting.

4^th of July activities

Trustee Butters invited committee members to the town’s 4^th of July parade, and games and picnic in Memorial Park. The parade starts at 9 a.m., July 4, next to the fire station. Games in the park start at 10:30 a.m. They include gunny sack races, nail driving, hoop rolling, stilt walking, cake walk, horseshoes, as well as a beer garden.

Recreation Director Brooks reported that the recreation department hosted the first swim meet of the season on June 21. Palisade had eight swimmers compete, and hosted a total of 30 swimmers.

Brooks also reported that the Palisade Pool has had higher attendance so far this year than last.

The most popular youth programs this year have been Dance, Swim Conditioning, Karate, Tennis, and Knitting, Brooks said. Not so popular have been Theater Camp, Youth Art classes, and youth trips.

Popular adult programs this year are fitness classes, hikes, garden classes, upcoming group trips, and knitting.

“Good job. That’s a lot of work,” Butters told Brooks.

A new event this year will be a “Back to School Beach Party” on Friday August 1^st, 5 to 9 p.m., at the pool and Peach Bowl Park. The party will include games and food. Tickets will be $5 at the entrance and $3 in advance. July 29 is the deadline.

Summer intern introduced

Tristan Hiraishi, summer intern, was introduced by Brooks. Hiraishi is a recent Colorado Mesa University graduate in sports management. He will receive credits for the internship.

Hiraishi said he was born and raised in Hawaii, came to CMU four years ago, and that he is grateful that he was accepted as an intern by Palisade. He said his goals are to be an athletic director, and improve his people and organization skills and his character.

Brooks said the town acknowledges his help during the Bluegrass festival with a gift certificate to Speedy’s restaurant. “We thank you, Tristan,” she said.

Tristan Hiraishi, Palisade recreation department intern. Photo by Bill Hoffmann

Work session

The parks and recreation committee and the town board of trustees will hold a joint work session on Tuesday, July 22, at 5 p.m., in the meeting chambers at the civic center. “This is a perfect time to have a conversation with the board,” Butters said, referring to on-going projects and plans.

The committee’s list of on-going topics includes the skate park, improvements at the community garden, shade structures in the Town Plaza, an amphitheater in Riverbend Park, a Fitness Park, a bike park at Riverbend Park, and a Community Events Board downtown.

The committee decided to conduct its July monthly meeting at 6 p.m. immediately following the work session with the board of trustees. The parks and recreation meeting would likely be held down the hall at the civic center.

Regular monthly parks and recreation committee meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the civic center. Meetings are open to the public.