VOLCANO SKATEPARK CLOSED:

In mid-January 2011, Hawaii County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) indefinitely closed the Volcano Skate Park at Cooper Center. citing concerns that the facility's level of maintenance had arguably become negligent, so that the County may be found liable in case of injury.

About seven years ago, the Cooper Center had installed the masonite skating ramps, brought from House of Ramps facility which had recently closed in Hilo. A Volcano SkatePark Organization (VSO) portion of the Cooper Center Council (CCC) was founded to manage the space. According to Bob Fitzgerald, Director of (HCPR) the VSO has deterioration to the point that CCC staff had to monitor the skatepark and be responsible for its maintenance.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The closure has deprived youth and adults alike of a healthy source of recreation in this rural area with limited activities and sports recreation areas. With little, if any, legal action by visitors due to injury, the Park had endured not only as an integral and well-respected skateboarding facility, but an excellent venue for basketball, roller-derby, live music, and more. 

The Skatepark will reopen through the development and implementation of a clear and detailed plan, supported by a network of volunteer help. 

GET INVOLVED:

SIGN this PETITION demanding that the County take strong initiative to work with Cooper Center staff and the public must cooperate to develop and implement a clear and detailed plan by which the Park can reopen.

VOICE your opinion at public meeting will be held Monday, January 31, 2011, 6pm at Cooper Center, 19-4030 Wright Road in Volcano. All ages welcome!

GET ACTIVE, let us know how you can help: SaveVolcanoSkatePark@gmail.com