Bandera, TX

[Chad Balcom]

Skaters united - Skaters and Bandera city administrators talk of a skatepark in Bandera

By Jessica Hawley - Lifestyles Editor
In an effort to strike a balance between a legal fiasco and youthful tenacity, Bandera City administrators and Bandera County skaters are drawing a truce. The two divergent groups gathered at the figurative line in the sand last week with one common goal, to build a skate park.

"I don't know that we'll ever be able to build a fancy park like that one [in California]," City Administrator Gene Foerster said during a meeting on April 5. "[But] it's on the can-do list."

Foerster was referencing the Montclair Skatepark in San Bernadino County, located just outside of the Los Angeles city limits. Local skaters and a grassroots community movement spearheaded the 11,000-plus square foot skating park. Foerster also distributed information on the Tony Hawk Foundation, whose goal is to help promote and finance public skateparks in low-income areas around the country.

Over 35 kids along with concerned parents and community members crowded the Bandera City Hall, leaving standing room only for the meeting. Some had their skateboards quietly in tow and temporarily dormant, epitomizing the need for change.

"It's not going to just happen overnight," Foerster said. "The people who will make it work are the people who will use it."

Gerhard Retief, of Bandera Beach Club, was at the forefront of the group. He began by laying down some initial rules, such as no trash, no excessive noise, no alcohol, no drugs and no smoking as the first and foremost to be honored. He encouraged kids to look after each other and to abide by the current ordinances.

"We need everybody's cooperation. The opportunity is there for you to make it or break it," Retief said. "If you violate the rules and the laws, then we need to say goodbye to the skatepark."

The current city ordinance bans skating - skateboarding, in-line or roller-skating - on public property such as sidewalks and parking lots. Bandera City Police Chief Shane Merritt said that the police department receives a minimum of 100 complaints per year regarding skaters on public property.

"Not because they don't like skateboarders, but because they're afraid of liability," Merritt said.

Foerster said that law enforcement officers do not enjoy enforcing the ordinance any more than the skaters enjoy having the ordinance enforced. He said that the city's prime concern, however, is with citizens, tourists and the skaters' safety. Still, the ordinance admittedly leaves youth with very few alternatives and nowhere to go.

City Councilman and Bandera City Economic Development Corporation Member Horst Pallaske cautioned against putting the cart in front of the horse.

"Without knowing what we need, we don't know where to start," Pallaske said.

Following an outline from the Tony Hawk Foundation, Foerster said that a steering committee comprised of at least 10-15 adult and youth volunteers would first need to be established. He said that the city would provide a meeting place for the committee to convene once every two weeks. Within 90 days, a solid idea of where funding will come from and where the park will be placed should be established.

Foerster said that Texas Rose Realty has offered a $100 prize for the best skatepark design and Sully Woodland of Wells Fargo Bank in Bandera is reportedly interested in the project.

"He would probably be a contributor," Foerster said.

More than 21 volunteers signed up for the steering committee, with Bandera ISD Trustee Patty Haltmar heading the list.

"Understand that you're obligating to something that could take six months to one year's time," Foerster said. "It's not going to just happen overnight."

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

[Carter Dennis]

That's amazing. Im gonna try to get a a hold of them. Bandera would be an epic place for a skatepark.

[fbmtravis]

Is there a skatepark in bandera now?

[Carter Dennis]

Unfortunately, it never happened. It was discussed, but never happened. That would be a great town to have a skatepark.

[fbmtravis]

Yes it would! Are bikes allowed in the kerrville park? I saw pictures of the rules sign and it didn't say no bikes. but just wanna make sure.

[Carter Dennis]

Yes. It's a fun park.