Published: May 15, 2008 04:51 pm         

City council moving forward with skatepark gear

The Crossville Centennial Park skatepark is taking shape, and the Crossville City Council approved a plan to send out request for proposals for equipment to outfit the skatepark with jumps and obstacles.

Crossville recreation director Steve Hill told the council that the concrete is finished, the fence is up and the lights at the skatepark are in place. The only things needed to complete the park are the ramps and obstacles used for the tricks and jumps the skaters like to practice.

Hill showed the council several sample designs with costs ranging from $50,000 to $125,000. Hill asked the council for their comfort level at the amount to spend for the equipment necessary for the skatepark, suggesting that kids might not use the park if there was not enough equipment to use. The council discussed the question and came up with a general consensus that $75,000 would be an appropriate amount to complete the project.

Councilman Jesse Kerley recommended that the city send out requests for proposals at the $75,000 amount and then choose the best design. The council agreed and the city will move forward with the project. Frank McClung of the Crossville Skatepark organization also attended the meeting.

Hill also reported to the council on the preparations for the upcoming Tennessee Women's Open golf tournament to be held at the Bear Trace July 19-23. The city of Crossville is sponsoring the event this year and it is promoting the community as the Golf Capital of Tennessee.

Hill said this is the fourth year for the tournament to be held in Crossville but it is also the tenth anniversary, something the organizers will be playing up for this year's event. According to Hill, 45 participants are already signed up.

Councilman Carl Duer commented, “We are not wasting the city's money, we're bringing people in who spend money and that generates taxes. We expect a return on the city money spent.”

Crossville Mayor J. H. Graham presented certificates of appreciation for for several of those involved in the Crossville Arts Council downtown mural project. The mural, completed last month, is located on the side of Jane Powers' law office facing Fifth Street.

Certificates were presented to Judy Pearson who oversaw the project, Jane Powers and the artist Katie Yamasaki. Pearson was recognized for her work to secure funding through several sources allowing famed New York muralist Yamasaki to create the 73-foot-long and 19-foot-high mural highlighting the history culture and landmarks of the community. Pearson was also recognized for the opportunity given to local high school students to learn the art of design and creation of large murals.

Powers received recognition for her donation allowing the use of the side of her building for the mural. The location allowed the public to gather and enjoy watching the art being created.

While Yamasaki was not able to attend the council's meeting, she was recognized for her design reflecting the community. The certificate also thanked Yamasaki for making the mural a community event involving students, businesses and local citizen supporters.

The certificate continued, “Ms. Yamasaki was especially challenged to complete the project in the six-week period with rain, snow and cold winds. Local observers from Mitchell Drug remarked that 'she painted in weather that they wouldn't coon hunt in,' a true indication of respect."

Pearson read a note from Yamasaki that thanked the community for the opportunity to create the mural and expressed a hope for a return visit in the future.

The council approved the request of Dann Dunham, organizer of the Vietnam Welcome Home event, to extend the Avenue of Flags from Industrial Drive through downtown to Lantana Road. An additional 72 poles will be decorated and the city will install brackets with the cost reimbursed to the city from funds raised by Dunham's organization.

Dunham said that he has gotten lots of comments from people who enjoy the flags that are currently from up from the Interstate to Industrial Drive.

The council also approved a request from Hilltoppers, Inc. to use the city's old pump building on Sweeny Drive for the Hilltoppers lawn maintenance crew that takes care of the rest areas on I-40. According to Tony Cox, his organization is building a new group home and had to remove the metal building formerly used for the purpose on Harrison Drive. Hilltoppers will repair the building and install electricity. Cox requested permission to use the building until the city needs it again.