SALISBURY, Md.- Skateboarding is a sport that many young kids and even some adults enjoy. That is why a group of enthusiasts want to build a skatepark in Salisbury.
The proposed site is in the 900 block of South Park Drive near the Salisbury Fire Department Station 1.
Riding around on their skateboards with their friends is a way of life for Joshua Machado and Joshua Brooks.
However, the young skateboarders said it is hard to do what they love the most on the city's streets and sidewalks.
Machado said his passion for the sport almost cost him his life.
"About four years ago I was hit by a car on my way to school, and you know it's really important that kids have a safe place to go where they can be with their friends and be off the streets," Machado said.
The proposed park got a $262,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in May. The grant that would pay for Phase I of the project.
"It's to keep the kids out of trouble and to try to keep the police doing what they are doing instead of worrying about us," Brooks said.
But there is a worry with people who live nearby the site. At a Wednesday night public hearing, Jim Corron expressed his concerns about the proposed park being too close to his house.
"The foot traffic going through my yard, the noise level, the upkeep of maintenance and trash pick up and loitering," Corron said.
Machado said he hopes he and his friends will have a place to practice their sport in safety that will not only allow them to enjoy the sport of their passion but also each other's company.
"If we are at a park you know where we are you can come get us you can come watch us and you can see what's going on and it'll be a part of the town," Machado said.
According to the committee, the project is not yet set in stone since it still needs to be presented to the Salisbury City Council for it to accept DNR's grant.
Joshua Machado rides his skateboard on South Park Drive in Salisbury. (Photo: WBOC)
