OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) -- — Skateboarders in the metro are doing flips since they met with the city.
Mayor Jean Stothert says a temporary skate park can be put in at Lynch Park using equipment approved by the city.
Monday, The Omaha Parks and Rec. Department took out temporary ramps and rails because some were screwed into the cement on the tennis courts which they say is a liability if someone were to get hurt. The city says they weren't up to code and installed safely by their department.
The Nebraska Public Skatepark Council met with Parks & Rec. Director Brook Bench to figure out a solution. Dozens of people came out in support.
Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Stothert announced that a temporary skate park will go back in at Lynch Park with equipment approved and installed by the city.
"Since yesterday with the public support, I know we have the city behind us and now I'm hopeful that the city representatives are behind us as well and know that the need in South Omaha has been identified and recognized and should not be slept on,” said Brenton Gomez with the NE Public Skatepark Council.
The parks department will look at Lynch Park for a permanent site and other locations in South Omaha.
“We know we're not going to be doing anymore illegal skate parks in any spot without getting permission from the city,” Parks & Rec. Director Brook Bench explained. “We want to have a good plan moving forward and start the discussions and do it the right way."
It’s unclear when the new ramps will be put in place.
Here’s the full statement from Mayor Stothert’s office:
Mayor Stothert and Parks Director Brook Bench met with Brenton Gomez, a member of the Nebraska Public Skate Park Council this afternoon to discuss options for a skate park in South Omaha. Until today, the City has not been approached to develop additional skate parks in the City.
The Parks Department will evaluate Lynch Park as a possible site for a permanent skate park, as well as other locations in South Omaha. Mayor Stothert also committed to a temporary skate park at Lynch with equipment approved and installed by the Parks Department.
Lynch Park was donated to the City years ago, but due to contaminated soil, the land needed to be remediated before the park could be redeveloped. Remediation has been recently completed and the City is moving ahead with the Lynch Park Master Plan.
At this time, the plan includes two soccer fields to meet the high demand for additional soccer facilities in South Omaha, a splash ground, renovated baseball field, four playgrounds, trails and picnic areas. A skate park can also be considered.
The safety of all park users is always paramount when we develop and maintain our city parks.
