Eugene (KMTR) - A Eugene group is trying to raise money to turn an idea for a covered skate park into reality.
Right now, the closest covered skateboard park is in Portland.
There are 18,000 square feet under cover of the Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge near downtown Eugene. The area is not only protected from the weather, it is also well lit.
The idea for a covered Eugene skate park surfaced back in 2002. The city jumped on board and planning was started for a regional destination park. The city wanted to provide a place for skaters to gather, and at the same time, protect the city’s sidewalks, benches and other public property that can't handle the repeated impact from skateboards.
But the group called "Skaters for Eugene Skate Parks" needs to raise $300,000 to help finance it.
"There's a huge adult skating community and we all have families and jobs. We often don't get off work until 6:00 and we need a lit, covered park," says Erika Winters of the skaters group.
The Washington-Jefferson Street Bridge location was chosen because the area is not used to its full potential and it's already covered.
The new skate park will be built between the basketball courts and the horse shoe pits. A playground will be moved to make room for the skate park.
