Half-pipe added to city park
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

For those familiar with terms such as fun-box, grind-rail and quarter-pipe, news of an added half-pipe at City Park is welcomed with wows.

One of the most heavily-used areas in City Park is slated to receive a $40,000 addition. Through equal donations from Kilgore City Council and an un-named benefactor, skaters and skating enthusiasts can expect to see a half-pipe before summer.

Jeff Davis, local dentist and skating enthusiast, made a presentation at a recent council meeting in which he talked about about existing equipment and up-grades that would be welcomed.

"I have talked to the kids who use this equipment," Davis said. "Hands down, they want a halfpipe."

Other amenities would be welcomed, too. According to Davis, skaters would also like additional lighting to extend skating hours.

Council approved the addition.

Ronnie Spradlin, councilman, said he could not think of a time, on weekends, when the skate park was not in use.

Randy Renshaw, councilman, said he feels like the area is an asset to the city and its youth.

Plans to date include moving existing ramps and equipment to one side of the concrete slab to allow room for the half-pipe on the other side. Extra money could be used to add the desired lighting.

In another scenario Davis has said he would like to raise a bit more funding from other sources to pour a new slab for the half-pipe.

The city is still waiting for funds to arrive, so equipment may be ordered.