Chinook Skate Park Breaks Ground

Plenty of activity near the football field last week, and not just for homecoming. Ground was broken for the Chinook Skate Park and much dirt is being moved.

"Sure was happy to see the trucks roll in Wednesday night," said Lions Club President, Jay Eslick. An idea that originated with a group of Lions three years ago, is finally coming to fruition. Eslick has spearheaded fundraising for the project.

Evergreen Skate Parks out of Portland, Oregon is the contractor for the development working with Jeff Ament, Bassist for the rock group Pearl Jam. Ament has helped build skate parks all over Montana. Evergreen has built skate parks all over the United States as well as abroad. Their latest park was in Detroit, Michigan.

Jack Goodrich Excavation is also donating time and equipment to help clear dirt. More contractors will be helping in kind as the undertaking progresses. "I really want to emphasize the generosity of construction businesses and the people of our community having this project come to reality," said Eslick.

Excavation should be completed within a few days paving the way for forming and concrete work next week. The concrete crew will be coming from Glasgow where they just finished their skate park.

This past year money was raised through pronto pup sales at the Chinook Swim Meet and the Drool in the Pool. More fundraising is needed however to meet the match, and last weekend pronto pups were sold over the weekend at Sugarbeet Festival. The next fundraiser will be at the Chinook Rod and Gun Club Fall Meat Shoot Fundraiser at the rifle range. Final one for the year will be at the Christmas Stroll in November. If you would like to donate, send donations to Eslick at PO Box 786. "Just make checks out to Community Chest with the comment, 'skatepark' on the memo line."

The Skate Park is expected to be completed around Oct. 16.