Elko New Market considers improvements to its aging skatepark

On a lazy July evening, Chase Kaufenberg, 10, rides his bike up the ramps at the Elko New Market skate park, chatting with a dozen other kids who have come to skate, bike or watch.

"It's fun," he said of the park. "It gives you something to do when you're bored."

But the Elko New Market skatepark, like several other metro-area skateparks, is aging. The small but fast-growing city will debate whether to update the park's equipment in the coming year, a decision that would cost at least $40,000.

"It's reaching the end of its useful life," said Mark Nagel, assistant city administrator. "It's been 10 years."

The City Council has been discussing the park's fate this summer. An update could include new and better equipment that's more soundproof to address neighbors' concerns about noise, Nagel said. Another option, he said, would be to wait until the city grows and more money is available to create a larger park at a different location.

Several kids at the park said they are hoping for improvements, and soon.

"We've done all the tricks and we're getting bored and stuff," said Brandon Dueffert, 10, zipping by on his scooter.

The park has seen its share of problems, including minor vandalism. Neighbors have had concerns with the noise and ­mischief that has happened there, Nagel said. The city began locking the park after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends.

Recently, a local mom of four boys started a petition urging the city to keep the park open until dusk. After seeing Lisa Beuning's petition with 125 signatures, city officials agreed to keep it open later, as long as there are no problems.

So far, things are going well, Nagel said.

"I'd prefer they're out at the park versus sitting in front of the X-Box," Beuning said.

Cities getting on board

Since the park opened in 2005, "it's blossomed a lot," Nagel said.

Skating, whether on scooters, in-line skates or skateboards, is an accessible sport that kids of all ages can do.

"You don't have to be 6'6" and 260 [pounds] to do this," Nagel said. "In fact, it's probably better off if you're not."

Shawn Solem, owner of Burnsville's Zombie Board Shop, said the popularity of skating is growing, in part because it's relatively low-cost and inclusive.

"There's definitely a community behind it," he said, no matter if people are riding skateboards or scooters.

Many cities built skateparks more than a decade ago. They continue to be something cities invest in, Solem said.

But as Elko New Market is finding, many older parks are in need of updates, he said.

In 2012, Burnsville began updating its skatepark, ­planning a multiphase project. Now, it's moving into the second phase. The city is raising money and deciding how to spend the project's budget. Features like bowls, stairs and a quarter pipe are being ­considered.

The city of Minneapolis has committed to fixing up several skateparks throughout the city, Solem said, and Northfield is building one, too.

Several kids in Elko New Market said they have high hopes for new equipment. Many said they're hoping the city buys a bowl, an oversized concave structure.

Beuning, too, said she will continue to support the park.

"There isn't really a whole lot for the kids to do [here]," she said. "I think that it's important that small communities do what they can to keep the kids entertained and happy as much as possible."

Erin Adler • 952-746-3283