Rain can’t dampen the enthusiasm for the Ennis Skate Park project
Over 50 members of the community turned out to learn what is going on and how they can get involved at the first community meeting about the park
A dismal rainy Spring afternoon at Lion’s Club Park on April 29 couldn’t dampen the excitement that was brought to the first public meeting for the Ennis Skate Park. Over 50 members of the community gathered to learn about the project, share ideas, celebrate skating and contribute to the cause.
The Bottle Caps, a four piece band that made the trip down from Bozeman, started the festivities by skillfully weaving together a trio of Grateful Dead covers with bouncy reggae vibe tunes. Young and old skated, danced, smiled and chatted while waiting for the presentation by Dream Land Skateparks co-owner Daniel Scott. Scott was there to outline the details of the project and explain how they can all contribute.
Before Scott took over the microphone, a collection of youth and adult organizers shared their vision of the skate park with the audience and made their case for why it is a positive thing for the youth of Ennis and the community as a whole. Scott discussed the relationship between Dreamland Skate Park and Pearl Jam bassist (and Big Sandy, Mont., native) Jeff Ament who has helped develop and fund 32 skate parks across Montana and is involved in the Ennis Skate Park project.
Scott described the work of her small business and how as skatepark specialists they set themselves aside from multi-faceted contractors. She discussed the land to be used in the park and how the project would ensure it does not interfere with the sewer lines running under it.
She explained that in just about six months the project has already raised $70,000 and throughout the evening people rolled through purchasing shirts, stickers and baked goods adding to the effort. She informed the crowd that the full amount required for the project will be between $200,000 and $350,000 depending on the complexity of the design.
Upon opening the floor for discussion and ideas she fielded questions from the likes of Ennis Town Council member Cory Hardy who took in the event alongside Mayor Nikki Haas and members of the Lion’s Club, teachers from the school and community members from all walks of life.
The discussion sparked a passionate group to put forth the idea of shaping the park as a trout to showcase the unique aspect of skating in Ennis. Scott will take the public input received back to her team to complete a final rendering of the proposed park. At this time there are no set dates for construction to begin or finish, but Scott as well as the community representatives of the event expressed about moving forward.
More information about the project and the people putting it together can be found at www.ennislionsskatepark.org.
