Keokuk, IA – The city built the skate park in Tolmie Park several years ago. It is located near the new Keokuk Aquatics Center.
6th Ward Alderwoman Karole Smith says residents have approached her about the need for more skating parks. She says, too often, young kids travel across Main Street to use the current park.
Smith says skating areas could be added to neighborhood parks to make it easier for people to use them.
Police Chief Tom Crew says that while the current park is rather basic, it gets plenty of use.
Kids and young adults are finding other locations to skate. Crew says they are using rails and steps at Keokuk City Hall and the South Lee County Courthouse.
Skateboarding is prohibited in each location.
7th Ward Alderman Susan Dunek says that shows the need for additional locations.
Dunek says the city will refer the issue of new skate parks to the Keokuk Park Board.
The city will also reach out to the people who use the Tolmie Park skate park. Dunek says their advice would really come in handy during future planning.
Keokuk will check with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to see if funding is available.