" That's right these kids should be running the streets, or skate boarding at the Catholic church not in a designated area. A place where these kids can have fun, exercise, and enjoy life. What were they thinking? "

" Considering all the possibilities for injuries that could occur with the other ball fields in that area, the remarks of John seem to be a bit silly. His remarks smack of those of a spoilsport indeed. Let the kids play, and crab apples, like John, stay away. "

" When I seen the picture, I was wondering the same thing. We have all seen videos on T.V. of kids breaking arms etc.on these skate boards.

I'm not saying that kids shouldn't have fun with them, but an accident is going to happen sometime. Does the city have them sign a waiver or something? "

" The city has no more liability from the skate park as from other park play equipment. If we were to be so scared of risk that we would allow no equipment that had risk, we would have no equipment at all. Also, skateparks are very common in other cities so we are simply joining in the popularity of skateparks.

I'm thrilled that the city has finally put in skatepark. It seems to me that kids have been asking for this since the 1980's. Congratulations to the current staff for getting this done. The number of kids using the skatepark is testament to the high level of desire for this equipment. Thank you! "

" The skatepark is a much needed addition to our community. Drive by any day that the weather is decent and the park is packed with kids. I'd much rather see them there than possibly damaging personal or business properties. They just needed a safe place to skate and have fun. The bulk of funds came from the state in a larger grant for the entire Roundhouse complex. As for liabilities, the park is well posted and skateboarding is no more dangerous than any other athletic activity. Schools, Water Facility, FutureGen? All VERY important issues but they are different issues than state grants for recreational and open space. "

" Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that the kids have somewhere to go, and have fun, but I bet your bottom dollar ,somebody will sue, at some point in time. Maybe next spring.

From North Carolina Court:

If there is a sign stating that helmets and pads are mandatory, but the Town/County does not staff it to ensure compliance, they would be held liable if someone not wearing the proper equipment were to be injured

Just an example.... "

" Danny Boy - That is why it is not posted that safety equipment must be worn, simply that participants are skating at their own risk and should skate at within their own abilities. The city was exhaustive in researching the liability issues (although that can never eliminate "nuisance" lawsuits). We can only hope that people will take a little personal responsibility for their actions. "

" everyone wants to b**ch and complain because kids were skateboarding all over town, so we give them a place to go and have fun and get them off the city streets and you want to b**ch and complain about that now too. Ya'll need to pick your battles. Leave these kids alone and let them have their fun. Maybe a waiver would be a good idea, but other than that these kids just want to have fun and be left alone and they can at this skatepark. They don't have to worry about being yelled at for being on someone's property, they can meet new friends with common interests and the best part is seeing the older kids help the younger kids and teaching them things. I think this skatepark is great for our community and really builds self esteem with all of our children. If you don't like it, well too bad its there and it's a great thing!!! have fun kids!!! "

" hmmmm....i had friends break arms and legs and get hurt falling out of trees, wrecking a bicycle, playing baseball, playing football, falling off the jungle gym, going down those big unenclosed slides, etc, etc.......

anyplace kids can be entertained while having physical activity beats sitting in front of an Xbox and a TV all day. in the long run the benefits outweigh the risks. "

" I'm all for doing things for our children. However, what is wrong with the things they already have that they don't use?
It seems someone is always complaining about thier kids not having nything to do. There is skating (at the rink), bicycle riding, skating on the sidewalks, tennis, swimming and that is just to mention a few. Our beautiful parks are a great place to visit, do homework or take your lunch.
I survived without a skate park and so did my children.
I don't mean to be a spoil sport, but all I have heard are the parents rave about how wonderful it is for thier children. I wonder if they will still be raving about it when thier child gets hurt or someone else at thier expense?
Just wondering if there is anyone else that feels the same way? "

" Calm Down everyone, I think it is great.

It's nice for them to have a place to go, other than the couch, or the streets.

I'm just saying some kid will get a compound Fracture, and then his folks will be blaming everyone but themselves.

Count on it.
It's Mattoon. If it can go wrong "it will"........otherwise I hope they have a great time... "

" anyplace kids can be entertained while having physical activity beats sitting in front of an Xbox and a TV all day. in the long run the benefits outweigh the risks. "

I can't believe that fb actually made a statement that I agree with. That being said, to many kids these days sit in front of a computer/tv screen playing games and not interacting with other human beings. Because of that we have a whole bunch of kids who have no social skills at all. Getting the kids out of the house and exercising their bodies/brains/motor and social skills all at once is an awesome thing. "

" I think this park is a great idea!! People were complaing about the kids who skateboard doing so all over town, now they have a great place to go and people gripe about that?? I never hear anyone complain about baseball or football feilds/stadiums being built so why complain when its a skate park? I think this park is great everytime we drive by its packed full of kids!! Skate on kids be safe n have fun "

" Mr. Janes,
I am glad someone had the nerve to actually say something! But where I am concerend, I am more upset about the fact of this Traveling Baseball team is having a rummage sale at Williams Elementary School tomorrow with our tax dollars paying for the lights, janitor and whatever else is coming into play for them to make money. Yes this town has more problems so i agree with the point you have of we have enough problems!!!! "

" citizenofmattoon

I believe it's against the law to ride a bike on the sidewalk. "

" We saw the skaters on County Market and cringed fearing hit by a car. The kids were polite. The Park is a good place and something to do besides causing problems within the city. Parents know the risk. I knew risk when son went to skating rink and broke his arm. I never sued the rink. My insurance paid.
I had people say SUE SUE SUE. I said that is what is wrong. It taught my son that had responsible parent and he now is like me at not suing someone when out like that. The rink owner was shocked we never sued nor had them pay the hospital bill/doctor bill. He caught his arm in the rail trying not to fall. A bigger boy pushed him. I called the father, told him his son pushed son who is smaller, and my son has a brokenarm. I SCARED THE HOLY HANNAH out of the father who feared a lawsuit. The father did punish his son, he had no tv nor movies and allowance for awhile. The fault wasn't the rinks, it was this unruly bully.
My daughter went to rink and the bully tried bully her. Being strong she let him know slam his head up his XXX and out his ears. hehe. He didn't bother others, she was always THERE. "

" Here is a good question. How well do you think the city will maintain that skate park? How long before that concrete starts to get pitted and begins to crumble and the city puts off the repairs needed to keep it smooth and safe for the skaters?

If Mattoon fails to maintain the park and someone gets hurt as a result then that is a liability issue they won't be able to walk away from. "

" citizenofmattoon isn't the skating rink closed? "

" I heard the reason that the city was going to stop plowing sidewalks,As follows,Due to the plow tearing up sod and soil on the property owners side of the sidewalk,several complants and small claims were placed aginst the city for repair to the soil and property of the home owners complaining about the plow tearing up there front lawns.The side walk plows were unguided and swung behind the small tractor pulling them,thus making for the plow to swing back and forth behind the tractor. I can remember these small tractors zipping along at a fast clip tearing up sod and turf as they went. No home owner wants to see his or her property torn up by these plows.Thats why they were stopped, The threat of being sued by property owners was to great. So the city stopped using them to keep it's self out of small claims court... "

" Great point Jim.
Heck soon we might not even see the skate park through the weeds. LOL "

" Mama says

The problem with the local roller rink is, they have no rules, they are also violating The Illinois Assumption of Risk laws for roller rinks, how do I know? I was in the room when they were written. You fall there, you can own that place. As far as bullies go, it's the rink's fault for allowing that. "

" You are probably right on weeds,,,,look how great Lake Paradise was mowed. lol.
With Kurt's lawsuit on Mattoon to the tune of $750,000, Mattoon should be careful and insured. The kids do need this skating park. Like all else, am sure it will turnout just great. "

" Well said Harry P!
"Disregarded on FutureGen"? I agree that the city and govenment have disregarded us. Recklessly moving forward w/ an "experimental" power plant that stores pollution under our homes, farms, familys. "

" It's so interesting to me that so much concern is expressed for liability for the skate park, but not for baseball, tennis, basketball, boating, bicycling, sliding, swinging, climbing, swimming, football, tag, and the myriad of other activities that happen on public land and water.

The inconsistency isn't lost on me: the real concern so many people have is they just don't like skateboarders. Skateboarders don't look like most people, don't act like most people (they're polite and walk -er-skate to the beat of their own drummers), and can do things most people can't do with a piece of wood and wheels. It's an individual, not a team, sport. It's a sport that most people around here just don't understand. Instead of griping, I wish the gripers would go out to the skate park, and study, learn, and appreciate the art and skill, and then give it a try! "