Construction could begin in the next few months on a brand-new feature for Emporia’s Whittier Park.
Following approval by Emporia city commissioners this week, the stage is set for a new skate park. City Manager Trey Cocking says this follows months of planning and conversation.
Initially, plans were to renovate the longstanding skate facility at Santa Fe Park, but the city changed locations after discussions with property owner Burlington Northern Santa Fe — which asked for a change in lease length from 99 years to one year.
Cocking says the city has reached out to a contractor, American Ramp, to see when construction could begin. Construction timetables aren’t set, but Cocking would like to see work underway by early next year.
While the City Commission is on board for the skate park’s location, there was an animated conversation Wednesday as to whether to have a multi-use athletic field — or fields — instead of dedicated baseball and softball fields or even a dog park. Research is underway to see what the park layout would look like with the multi-use athletic fields included.
