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ROLO wrote on May 4, 2009 11:53 AM:
I'm from California and my friends and I can't wait til your park opens. We travel up north every summer to skate all the great parks along the Oregon coast. There are hundreds of more crews like ours too.
ROLO wrote on May 4, 2009 11:49 AM:
I'm a 26 yr old from Laytonville CA, where we've been trying to get skate park for a while, and we've been waiting to hear when the Coos Bay skate park will open. Every year my friends and I pile into a couple cars and head north to hit all the rad Oregon parks on the coast. If you still think a skate park in Coos Bay won't attract visitors,you're dead wrong. There are hundreds of more crews like ours that want to skate your new park. Skateboarding is quickly becoming more popular than other activities like baseball. Accept this fact, and you will understand the need for a real facility for the youth (and adults) to play.
local parent wrote on Mar 3, 2009 2:12 AM:
tuesday the 3rd 7pm at the coos bay city council meeting , they will be talking about it..everyone is invited to attend
Ive been watching wrote on Feb 27, 2009 7:15 PM:
the skate park and nothing is being done. Everyone, well not everyone, the 2 or 3 people that used to be there went away and haven't come back. Now what? Is the city council going to finish the park on a Saturday afternoon? What's going on in this town?
Agree with SAD 2 wrote on Feb 19, 2009 11:12 AM:
CBAY stop hiding under a rock and DO SOMETHING. Where ya at?
Agree with Sad wrote on Feb 19, 2009 8:31 AM:
C-BAY get off your fannies and start complying with State and Federal laws regarding non-profit organizations. You "ousted" a couple members because they had different ideas than you and now you have what????? NOTHING. What does someone have to do to get C-BAY rolling again? Report non-compliance?
A Parent to ME wrote on Feb 17, 2009 12:02 PM:
I just bought my son a skateboard and he is barely able to ride it down the sidewalk. I would have to be out of my mind to let him go and try to skate at that park. Other then the sidewalk he has no place to skate.
Me wrote on Feb 17, 2009 12:07 AM:
Do you guys understand how many little kids are excited for this park to be complete? The little kids will learn how to skate the "Tranny" park that we have now. Tranny is much better on your body to skate than street. Do a grind on something that you can slide down on, or throw yourself down a set of stairs completely ruining your knees and your ankles? If you are mad about not having a street course, I really would enjoy if you thought twice about it.
SAD wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:51 PM:
I spent many hours working on the website (www.c-bayonline.org) and keeping it updated. I spent even more hours ensuring our insurance was paid, our non-profit paperwork was in order, and that our meetings were in compliance with what the State required. I cringe at the reality that this is not happening now, nor is there any interest in having it happen. How awesome is it that a local business, Art Signs, donated a wonderful "Coming Soon" sign and now it's probably been sent to a local landfill or turned to ashes...and there are no plans to recognize them or anyone else who funded the park based on promises that "C-BAY" has no intention of keeping?
Again, I'm sad to see it end this way. The plans were so optimistic and geared toward making this park a true destination for *every* skater. But it took work, time, and effort - something that the current group obviously has no desire to give. And that's what is sad.
Again, I'm sad to see it end this way. The plans were so optimistic and geared toward making this park a true destination for *every* skater. But it took work, time, and effort - something that the current group obviously has no desire to give. And that's what is sad.
SAD wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:50 PM:
I'm really sad to see that the project has become something 180 degrees from what we originally promised the citizens of the Bay Area. I used to get phone calls and emails from all over the world on a daily basis from people who wanted to know when they could bring their skate team to skate the new park, as well as from those wondering where their 8 year old could try out his new skateboard. The crew responsible for the monstrosity sitting in Mingus Park now would not like my answer.
I used to get phone calls and emails from all over the world on a daily basis from people who wanted to know when they could bring their skate team to skate the new park, as well as from those wondering where their 8 year old could try out his new skateboard. The crew responsible for the monstrosity sitting in Mingus Park now would not like my answer.
I used to get phone calls and emails from all over the world on a daily basis from people who wanted to know when they could bring their skate team to skate the new park, as well as from those wondering where their 8 year old could try out his new skateboard. The crew responsible for the monstrosity sitting in Mingus Park now would not like my answer.
SAD wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:49 PM:
I was part of the original C-BAY (Citizens for Bay Area Youth). Along with a select few others, I spent each and every weekend for nearly two years doing fundraisers, putting thousands of cans in the can machines at Fred Meyer, sitting at the mall selling cookie dough jars, making presentations to businesses, you name it. We chose Grindline to design a park that would provide a safe but challenging skating environment for everyone - novice to pro. We spent $20,000 on that design - now trashed by the folks who demanded my resignation from C-BAY because "nothing was getting done." They never understood the hundreds of hours that go into working with a government entity (the City of Coos Bay) on a project of this scale. Like spoiled children, unless they could see and touch something concrete (no pun intended), "nothing" was getting done.
local mom wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:20 PM:
hey cbay if your reading this...get off your ???? and do some funding to finish this project.
Beaua local skater wrote on Feb 16, 2009 8:34 PM:
look i'm a 12 year old local sk8er and hang out with all those kids u so-call dope smokers and everything.yah well most of the people that i now that smoke dope dont really even sk8 they just where sk8er cloes.
when u say we should just go sk8 around town well we cant we could get a $500 fine. i dont see bmx people getting in trouble for riding around downtown. cops r always trying to find a way to get us skaters into trouble. some of the teachers at my school r the same as cops but worse.everyone hates us kids because of things that people hav done in the past. i am sure u people did things like this when u were a kid
when u say we should just go sk8 around town well we cant we could get a $500 fine. i dont see bmx people getting in trouble for riding around downtown. cops r always trying to find a way to get us skaters into trouble. some of the teachers at my school r the same as cops but worse.everyone hates us kids because of things that people hav done in the past. i am sure u people did things like this when u were a kid
After the original CBAY wrote on Feb 16, 2009 11:28 AM:
people left Cbay (the ones that created CBAY, got everything going, working and having fundraisers towards the skateprk for more than 2 years) everything changed. Yea, there was a fundraiser (the dunk booth) at the Fun Fest last year and then it's like everyone fell off the planet??
local mom wrote on Feb 15, 2009 12:58 AM:
c-bay isnt that the group that raises the cash funds for the skatepark? why are they not doing anything to get this park done? what they expect the city to do it? I think they should think twice, maybe they should put back the people that were on the old board at least they were doing something.isnt it supposed to be open to the public?
where is it. the website....
where is it. the website....
CBAY people where are you wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:28 PM:
If you want to finish this park why aren't you having car washes or doing something to raise money? I see kids skating all over town, why aren't these kids helping to raise money to finish the park?
To 15 year old girl wrote on Feb 10, 2009 10:48 PM:
First of all I know SK8MOM as well as her son. She has supported the park from day #1. She herself has done a lot for this project AS WELL AS HER SON. May kids did sit around and do nothing but not the two of them. Second, if you think that this is such a great park I hope that you can skate it because after all of this work the sad reality is that most of the kids won't be able to skate at the park because the plans were changed and there is NO STREET COURSE LIKE THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THIS IS A BIG WASTE OF A LOT OF HARD EARNED MONEY BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME SELFISH PEOPLE OUT THERE.
This park wrote on Feb 9, 2009 12:49 PM:
is all about certain "Special People" because the city was stupid enough to let them build a skatepark without watching what was going on so they built it their way for themselves. Now the 10 year olds still have no place to skate but we have a park that will bring in thousands of skaters and tons of money to Coos Bay. Everyone brace yourself. This park is going to change everything.
SK8MOM wrote on Feb 8, 2009 9:02 AM:
To 15 year old volunteer: My son did volunteer many days of work there. From before ground breaking thru August when he had to get ready to go back to school. He even helped with watching the two boys of Jason. don't know where you get off saying he should have worked more than 2 or 3 days. I guess you don't remember or don't WANT to remember, just like jason. It's a shame when jason can't even admit there were volunteers that did put time in and had to quit due to work or school. And for your information, I did help with many fundraisers. Where were you at car washes that lasted all day? I didn't see you holding up a sign by the side of the road. When a project like that becomes a "personal" project to jason and his friends and say he built it for themselves, then that is NOT team work. When attitudes start getting that way, I don't want any part of it. I will not lower myself to that level.
westside gangsta wrote on Feb 6, 2009 3:46 PM:
Thats a hardcore park yo. Ill be ridin' that like everyday G. werd up
15 year old volunteer Girl 2 wrote on Feb 5, 2009 5:34 PM:
Drawing in tourists is something this park has already done even unfinished!!! Some of which are well known skateboarders who’ve had nothing but wonderful things to say. As new workers to the concrete biz, Jason Shoemaker and his crew of family members were asked to come and work for one of the biggest concrete companies out there in just a small amount of time with little experience. Many of you just may not know, but this park is beyond high quality. To hear your insults about it is just disgusting. Step back and look at what you had a couple months prior to the work done now.
To the person concerned with kids coming and smoking “dope”, this is you being ignorant. Kids are going to do drugs regardless to weather coos bay has a skate park or not. Open your eyes and look down by the library, there’s plenty of our youth down there smoking. Does this mean we shouldn’t build any more libraries? The skate park if for those who skate! To say you don’t want a park because drug users might be there is not a accurate reason.
To the person concerned with kids coming and smoking “dope”, this is you being ignorant. Kids are going to do drugs regardless to weather coos bay has a skate park or not. Open your eyes and look down by the library, there’s plenty of our youth down there smoking. Does this mean we shouldn’t build any more libraries? The skate park if for those who skate! To say you don’t want a park because drug users might be there is not a accurate reason.
15 year old volunteer Girl wrote on Feb 5, 2009 5:33 PM:
As a volunteer, I worked at the park just about every day of my summer. With this I can honestly say I do not regret one day of it. I wasn’t a paid worker or with the city, however I do know more then the commenter’s.
First of all SK8 MOM, had you been a real skate mom wouldn’t you have been helping organize fundraisers or encouraging your son to donate some time to get the park he so badly wants? Had the contractor more workers maybe the project would had moved a little more quickly, and been able to put in that street coarse he and his friends so badly wined over. Instead I’m sure he came down 2 or 3 times, and just couldn’t hack it. The street course wasn’t put in and honestly I don’t feel sorry for them. Instead of raising money to get it like you all praise them for, they sat at the local skate shop watching skate videos. While they so called “helped” the project, the contractor and his WHOLE ENTIRE FAMILY were down at the park working till sunlight cut them off, and sometimes longer.
First of all SK8 MOM, had you been a real skate mom wouldn’t you have been helping organize fundraisers or encouraging your son to donate some time to get the park he so badly wants? Had the contractor more workers maybe the project would had moved a little more quickly, and been able to put in that street coarse he and his friends so badly wined over. Instead I’m sure he came down 2 or 3 times, and just couldn’t hack it. The street course wasn’t put in and honestly I don’t feel sorry for them. Instead of raising money to get it like you all praise them for, they sat at the local skate shop watching skate videos. While they so called “helped” the project, the contractor and his WHOLE ENTIRE FAMILY were down at the park working till sunlight cut them off, and sometimes longer.
check it. wrote on Jan 29, 2009 10:10 PM:
I think everyone should be happy that were even getting a park..But I do think that the contractors should finish the job they started, wasnt it a signed contract?
Mary wrote on Jan 29, 2009 12:34 PM:
Oh funny....they don't do anything about the kids skating trespassing on private property...why police the park?
Hmm wrote on Jan 29, 2009 11:54 AM:
So is the city going to have police issuing tickets to all the underage smokers using the park?
The Class War continues wrote on Jan 28, 2009 1:20 PM:
I have lived in Klamath Falls, Reedsport and now here. Each city has built a skate park. Each time, the elders and "uptights" fight the idea. For whatever reasons, ignorance, religious views or just a gross misconception of teens and skaters. Each time the SKATERS AND KIDS win out. So relax kids your skate park is coming and nothing these people say or think will stop it.
Tejun
Tejun
mom of a skater wrote on Jan 27, 2009 3:47 PM:
I have been taking my son to the skatepark in Myrtle Point for over 10 years. We sometimes go 3 or 4 times a week, for hours at a time. I have never observed the kids drinking or "smoking dope", the kids that go there are serious about their skating.
Skateparks do pull in out-of-towners. I've seen people from other states and Canada at the Myrtle Point skate park and also at the skatepark in Florence. Some come and stay for days and skate. Also the skate rodeo that Myrtle Point sponsors every year brings in a very large group of people from out of town. They all spend their money locally.
In response to "what planet are we on", you can go on-line and find skateparks in any city you want, even in other countries. And I can guarantee the skatepark in Coos Bay would be on-line. There are groups that go from park to park taking photos and posting them on-line.
I think the skatepark should be finished for the kids. It's a healthy sport and I'd rather see my son doing that instead of inside playing a skateboard video game.
Skateparks do pull in out-of-towners. I've seen people from other states and Canada at the Myrtle Point skate park and also at the skatepark in Florence. Some come and stay for days and skate. Also the skate rodeo that Myrtle Point sponsors every year brings in a very large group of people from out of town. They all spend their money locally.
In response to "what planet are we on", you can go on-line and find skateparks in any city you want, even in other countries. And I can guarantee the skatepark in Coos Bay would be on-line. There are groups that go from park to park taking photos and posting them on-line.
I think the skatepark should be finished for the kids. It's a healthy sport and I'd rather see my son doing that instead of inside playing a skateboard video game.
What a Shame wrote on Jan 27, 2009 7:09 AM:
TO ALL YOU COMPLAINERS: If you say that there is nothing for the kids to do in Coos Bay, or anywhere else, did any of you ever think of having them do chores? In case you don't remember, it is called WORK. Quit complaining.
Ignorant Teen wrote on Jan 26, 2009 8:38 PM:
I think Mr. E is old and knows nothing about the younger generation. Skaters are predominately teenagers, not 6 year-olds. Every small feature such as this park combines to make the city attractive. And to "What Planet are We on?," the city has spent money on advertising beaches and mountains (what every coast city has). Perhaps the city needs more to advertise.
What a Shame wrote on Jan 26, 2009 3:10 PM:
If the budget is going "over budget" and the city has not approved all of the change orders, the contractor is the one who looses the money not the city. If the city does pay the extra money after signing a contract with any contractor, then the city could get into big trouble for paying it. But then all the contractor has to do is say that he had this change order or that change order and it was approved by the city, but then the contractor had better have everything in writing that the change orders were approved or HE is going to be out a lot of money. This skate park kinda reminds me of the City of Coos Bay and their over $200,000 bridge at Mingus park, what a joke.
Not A Mother wrote on Jan 26, 2009 12:32 PM:
Look at mingus park, some kids go smoke and drink at the park also. Everywhere you go, You will have those troubled teens. I am a skateboarder, and I know whats going on. Give it a chance and don't be so close minded.
a mother wrote on Jan 26, 2009 10:37 AM:
WHO CARES IT IS OVER BUDGET! WE OWE THE KIDS IN COOS COUNTY SOMETHING FUN THAT THEY CAN DO. BESIDES SOBERS WHAT ELSE DOES THE YOUTH HAVE TO DO IN THIS COUNTY? NOTHING THEY GET BORED AND DO DRUGS,DRINK AND GET IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW. THE SKATE PARK WON'T BE A WASTE OF MONEY AT ALL, I AM SURE WE COULD HOST SOME SKATE COMPETITIONS THAT WOULD BRING OUT A LOT OF PEOPLE, NOT TO MENTION HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES OUT IN THE MEAN TIME. GREAT JOB EVERYBODY WHO GAVE UP THEIR TIME TO HELP THIS CITY OUT! IT WAS WELL NEEDED AND YOUR WORK WILL BE VAULED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS!!
Heres a thought wrote on Jan 26, 2009 9:40 AM:
If you join your child at the skate park on a regular basis the other "trouble kids" will know this and not use it as a place to "drink and smoke pot."
Skate parks like the one in Portland have parents and other adults there all the time so they know they cant get away with crap. Parents around here just send there kids off and HOPE they do the right thing. Be a parent and you wont have to worry.
Skate parks like the one in Portland have parents and other adults there all the time so they know they cant get away with crap. Parents around here just send there kids off and HOPE they do the right thing. Be a parent and you wont have to worry.
Toothless Cajun wrote on Jan 26, 2009 7:52 AM:
The problem Chuck & Jim is NO ACCOUNTABILITY on YOUR behalf. This was classic lowball & bump. You said volunteers failed to show. That is where the show was to stop. This was sold as a donated project. Teach the kids to finish what they start but not without a price to be paid. Keep a tab on the cost overruns, now develop a community service program for the kids to EARN the right to use the facility. Starts with don't pass don't skate. As for the citizens, get off your ass & get rid of these incompetent clowns.
Just an Innocent bystander wrote on Jan 25, 2009 6:14 PM:
Believe it or not, there are skate parks all over the world that are actually a positive place for people of the communities, individuals & families alike, to go and have some fun, get some exercise, meet new friends & enjoy themselves. I believe that this new park in Coos Bay has the same potential if we allow that. Don't blame the skate park for the actions of irresponsible kids (people). This park has been built with great intentions & a whole lot of heart. And don't forget the blood, sweat & tears. Literally. And I know, if you're one of the people that have closely watched this project, you understand completely. There have been a lot of variables during this entire project. Please get all the facts before you judge so harshly. I mean really, how many of you actually believe what you read in The World Inquirer?
Non-Obliged wrote on Jan 25, 2009 4:27 PM:
You guys have it all wrong. I was on the original C-Bay board and served my duties. This skatepark will being in out of towners. Thats a FACT. I travel out of town 4 days a week to go skate.
Non- Obliged wrote on Jan 25, 2009 4:24 PM:
You guys have it all wrong. I was on the original C-Bay board and served my duties. This skatepark will being in out of towners. Thats a FACT. I travel out of town 4 days a week to go skate.
Ill be the first one wrote on Jan 25, 2009 1:10 PM:
to call the police because of the drinking, pot smoking and bad language. Do you really want to send your 10 yo over there?
True article wrote on Jan 24, 2009 8:37 PM:
I know, because Jason Schomaker told me to my face that the plans that city engineered, which cost something like $10,000 if I remember correctly, weren't worth the paper they were written on, so they weren't going to use them. Although it may resemble the original plans, they definately didn't follow them, and would likely be done and on budget if they had. Anyone see the big vertical bowl thing on the original plans? The sad thing is that this is another blow to the skater community's reputation, to go along with the pot smokin, vandalizing, school skippin stereotype.
feed up wrote on Jan 24, 2009 3:53 PM:
Lets just bulldoze the hole thing and put the tennis courts back in. If the cost over run was stirctly due to the lack of volunteers then stop construction until they get enough volunteers. to finish it up.
justpayingattention wrote on Jan 24, 2009 12:31 PM:
"Legal Expert" isn't giving any legal insight, just venting a grudge.
Mr E wrote on Jan 24, 2009 12:16 PM:
I'm not against this park (and, really, it's not all that much money), but I think it is a waste of resources. We don't have to build another park/playground for little kids, or another baseball field, but we could've probably constructed something of more use to teens in this community.
Unless things have changed DRASTICALLY in the last few years, there just aren't a huge number of skaters here. There are some, but they are not everywhere.
As it is, I think it's a pipe dream that this is going to draw tourists from all over the place... unless Tony Hawk shows up, I doubt many people are going to spend the money to come here, when they can go to nice parks in places like Portland or Corvallis. Coos bay is just a bit isolated for many skaters...
Unless things have changed DRASTICALLY in the last few years, there just aren't a huge number of skaters here. There are some, but they are not everywhere.
As it is, I think it's a pipe dream that this is going to draw tourists from all over the place... unless Tony Hawk shows up, I doubt many people are going to spend the money to come here, when they can go to nice parks in places like Portland or Corvallis. Coos bay is just a bit isolated for many skaters...
SO WHAT wrote on Jan 23, 2009 8:08 PM:
Well now coos bay will have some where to send there kids next year when they cant go to school on the fifth day.
joe wrote on Jan 23, 2009 5:55 PM:
I went by the skatepark and some kids were skating. What's going on? Is the park open or under construction?
Greg wrote on Jan 23, 2009 5:39 PM:
This skate park will end up going down as another huge blunder that are local officials have got us into. Just another unfinished project that has little thought put into it and ends up a disaster.
mik wrote on Jan 23, 2009 5:36 PM:
Just look at Myrtle Point's Skate Park and you will see what really goes on at these places. Parents in the know keep their kids away from it as there are drugs and booze being consumed there. Coos Bay will just be a bigger draw for the same crap..It shouldn't have been built in the first place.
The Kids can turn it around wrote on Jan 23, 2009 11:20 AM:
There are 2 things the kids can do to make this right.
1. Fundraise until the $40,000 is paid off. It would take awhile, but could be done.
2. The kids set up times to teach the youngers and inexperienced what to do.
Kids, you can do this. Prove em all wrong.
1. Fundraise until the $40,000 is paid off. It would take awhile, but could be done.
2. The kids set up times to teach the youngers and inexperienced what to do.
Kids, you can do this. Prove em all wrong.
NO STREET COURSE wrote on Jan 23, 2009 11:09 AM:
So the kids that can't skate bowls/vert still have no place to skate. We'll, I guess they can skate at the skate shop parking lot or at the bank. BAD PLANNING!!
Patti McKenzie wrote on Jan 23, 2009 10:39 AM:
Schomacker & Co. have given you one of the
best skateparks in Oregon.
Perhaps the local community should step
up to the plate and help bring forth the
funding to finish the project.
This skatepark is finished...the only thing
missing is the "visual cosmetics".
Jason, Zac, Lori and Tristen should be
given great graditude from your community
for a job well done.
best skateparks in Oregon.
Perhaps the local community should step
up to the plate and help bring forth the
funding to finish the project.
This skatepark is finished...the only thing
missing is the "visual cosmetics".
Jason, Zac, Lori and Tristen should be
given great graditude from your community
for a job well done.
SK8 MOM wrote on Jan 23, 2009 10:04 AM:
I was at the city council meetings from the get go and the one Tuesday night. The paper is quoting what was said at the meeting. I think Shoemaker should be held accountable for this "blunder" and made to finish the park without pay. Another thing, why are they allowing their friends to skate the park and not the local kids that want to? Where is the fairness in that.
I was the secretary for C-BAY board until the Vice President and Treasurer got "hairs" up their butts and decided to oust me and the president off. I know what is and is NOT going on. Things are NOT as they appear.
When I asked Shoemaker about street course, this is his comment: "Why? There are plenty of places to street skate around town. We built this park for ourselves, this is OUR park" Doesn't it sound like he wants this park to himself and his out of town pro skater buddies?
I was the secretary for C-BAY board until the Vice President and Treasurer got "hairs" up their butts and decided to oust me and the president off. I know what is and is NOT going on. Things are NOT as they appear.
When I asked Shoemaker about street course, this is his comment: "Why? There are plenty of places to street skate around town. We built this park for ourselves, this is OUR park" Doesn't it sound like he wants this park to himself and his out of town pro skater buddies?
Gary wrote on Jan 23, 2009 9:59 AM:
So what is so surprizing about this? It happens all the time but at least Coos Bay will have thousands of visitors coming to their City. Save the children Happy, happy, happy!
For the so called legal expert wrote on Jan 23, 2009 9:26 AM:
How many things can you blame on the City Manager? I watched the meetings leading up to this fiasco, there was so much support and volunteers that the numbers did jive. This is what the City gets for trusting people at their word. You need to get all the facts before you go blaming any of this on the City. If I was the City Manager I would fill the whole thing up with dirt and plant flowers. Some body owes this City an Apology and the construction company needs to foot the bill to finish it. They are the ones who overspent without permission. NOT THE CITY!!! Get your facts and let me guess you think it is alright to steal from local shops also?? Thought so.
Ron wrote on Jan 23, 2009 9:12 AM:
Let's end all this hoopla with some simple and professional FACTS:
First: This is a good idea gone a bit wrong. However, it remains a good idea and needs to be finished, no matter who whines about it. These young people need to see that things can succeed.
Second: From a pure managerial viewpoint, I hope this isn't an example of the way the City manages "projects" and the obligation of funds. If it is, fire some bureaucrats that gave financial control away and failed to perform oversight.
Third: Everyone get back to work on this thing. We need to honor commitments to our youth, period.
Fourth: If late-comers want things added for younger users, go to the budget meetings and get it funded, but also volunteer your own time and quit complaining about things you were not even involved in at the start, OK?
Lastly, just get it done!
First: This is a good idea gone a bit wrong. However, it remains a good idea and needs to be finished, no matter who whines about it. These young people need to see that things can succeed.
Second: From a pure managerial viewpoint, I hope this isn't an example of the way the City manages "projects" and the obligation of funds. If it is, fire some bureaucrats that gave financial control away and failed to perform oversight.
Third: Everyone get back to work on this thing. We need to honor commitments to our youth, period.
Fourth: If late-comers want things added for younger users, go to the budget meetings and get it funded, but also volunteer your own time and quit complaining about things you were not even involved in at the start, OK?
Lastly, just get it done!
Le4gal Expert In Contracting Matters wrote on Jan 23, 2009 8:44 AM:
"Native of Coos Bay" is right and wrong. These are known as "constructive" (and there is nothing constructive about them) changes. Tacit approval was given by the city manager and by city employees to all changes made and our monies spent. The city manager has again got us in a mess. Add the over budget expense here to the $100,000 we will pay Janell Howard becasue of him. Time for a change?
BARH wrote on Jan 23, 2009 8:20 AM:
Everytime there has been a place for the "Kids" to hang out it has been a bust.except maybe the Boys and girls club.In my day there was the Q-Tee and of couse there was alot of controversy with that establishment,but boy did we ever have alot of fun there.Our kids need a place to hang and the designers need to do right and finish this job within the first budget even if it is at extra costs to themselves.You changed it now fix it.If you want our kids to be responsible,then you "must" show them that you are.
Native of Coos Bay wrote on Jan 23, 2009 6:26 AM:
There should never be unauthorized change orders on a public project. The City is in no way obligated to pay the contractor for work that was not authorized. The contractor should be charged for changing the design without authorization, especially when it means the park is only going to be useful for intermediate or expert skaters. Doesn't the city have a Contracts Coordinator who oversees public contracting?
coos bay local wrote on Jan 22, 2009 10:58 PM:
last weekend shoemaker and co. had some out of towners skate the park before the locals got to.. my boy went over to skate also ,but was turned away...
fair or not fair?
fair or not fair?
dude wrote on Jan 22, 2009 10:55 PM:
I think that the city should make shoemaker and co. finish what they started and put a street course in the remaining part of the park right next to the bowls. and call it good.
family man wrote on Jan 22, 2009 10:52 PM:
I have two little tikes tha can't even skate hardly, how are they supposed to drop in for there first time on those such huge bowls? where's the little area for the brand new skaters that are just learning.
Irritated Dude wrote on Jan 22, 2009 10:14 PM:
Come on people! I agree with "what planet are we on" Our Priorities are way out of wack! This is a great opportunity for the kids to hang out, but what happens when someone gets hurt? The city Gets sued, Tax payers lose again! What will draw people in is Good school systems and education which we are proposing to cut so we can build a skate park and a visitor center? If the moneys not there, its not there! Lets deal with the bigger issues first, then PLAY!
Resident wrote on Jan 22, 2009 9:28 PM:
No need to worry about the extra cost of the park--this city that tries to bill itself as business friendly has substantially raised the yearly price for a contractor to work in Coos Bay. A skate park isn't something I feel obligated to support.
Promise wrote on Jan 22, 2009 9:24 PM:
There was a promise made by the founders of CBAY (these people are no longer with the organization) that a permanent sign would be put up at the skate park with the names of the companies or idividuals that made large donations toward the project. I am wondering if this is still going to happen. The younger kids unless they are extremely skilled skaters will NOT BE ABLE to skate this park. It caters to the older / advanced skaters so it will be mostly a place for the older kids to hang out and smoke, like across the street from the high school but this is going to bring a lot of people here. hehehe!
local local wrote on Jan 22, 2009 9:14 PM:
Having been born in Coos Bay in 1947, living here constantly until 11/74 & returning recently to reside, I have to say that the energy on this project like destroys what Mingus Park was here for, & then owing a lot more money because it wasn't monitered is so stupid I am doing all I can to hold my temper.
Heres a thought wrote on Jan 22, 2009 9:02 PM:
How about giving more money to the airport? This skate park is a much better idea than all the money we taxpayers paid into the airport. $40K will only buy us a month of airline...
How much more will you give away wrote on Jan 22, 2009 8:41 PM:
Its our money not yours. Most in Coos Bay will never benefit from that skate park. Don't be so eager to spend our money Mayor Jeff and manager Freeman.
Not everyone swims wrote on Jan 22, 2009 7:23 PM:
Can't the kids have something nice for once? There's nothing to do in this town, so most of us turn to drugs and the like.
Something to keep a bunch of kids in the community occupied doesn't sound like a bad idea to me.
Something to keep a bunch of kids in the community occupied doesn't sound like a bad idea to me.
Rockycoast wrote on Jan 22, 2009 7:21 PM:
To Chuck Freeman
I know many a skater who asked these same questions from the very beginning of this project.
Believe me....the older kids wanted and thought this would be a park for all ages. Those who love this sport enjoy watching the little guys improve thier skills.
It seems that some how the original plan got side tracked. And that might be the reason that the volunteers that were more than willing to put in the time.... became less and less.
I know many a skater who asked these same questions from the very beginning of this project.
Believe me....the older kids wanted and thought this would be a park for all ages. Those who love this sport enjoy watching the little guys improve thier skills.
It seems that some how the original plan got side tracked. And that might be the reason that the volunteers that were more than willing to put in the time.... became less and less.
I disagree wrote on Jan 22, 2009 5:49 PM:
The park has had a lot of work being done over the summer and fall and the city has known about all projects from the getgo. I have personally seen that several city officials have been visiting the park throughout the building phase and also sit in their cars down the street and watch the work progress. I live next to the park and watch them visit the builders on a regular basis. If any of this article was true, then they would have known from ground breaking that somthing was amiss. And what about the city cousel meeting I saw on tv where they presented the plans to the city? Were they not the same plans that were displayed over and over again throughout the year? They looked the same to me from when I first saw them all the way to when they had a booth at the fun-festival where they presented the plans on a display board and dunked the mayor in a dunk tank... Crazy enough, even the park being built looks exactly the same as the plans. I wouldnt blaim the builders & volunteers for the City's mistake on funds. Come on!
Know ur facts before talking about it wrote on Jan 22, 2009 5:37 PM:
Everyone knows that the newspaper does not always report the facts as they are. Sometimes the paper will make a situation out to be worse that it actually is. Before you comment further maybe you should go to a city counsel meeting or ask the city directly before believing a paper that has become no better than a gossip column.
Just An Observer wrote on Jan 22, 2009 4:47 PM:
Finish the park. It's a bad deal the way it went down but leaving the project unfinished means all that has gone into it will be a waste.
This will be the end of the line and the city should announce they will put up NO money for anyone's schemes. Kids, cops, corporations, small businesses, old folks, whatever. The city isn't a social welfare agency and it is most certainly not an ecomomic development agency despite their pretensions to be one. Our city government only needs to provide the most basic municipal services at a high level, not a bunch of stuff at poor levels. Concentrate on doing that and the taxpayers will be happy.
This will be the end of the line and the city should announce they will put up NO money for anyone's schemes. Kids, cops, corporations, small businesses, old folks, whatever. The city isn't a social welfare agency and it is most certainly not an ecomomic development agency despite their pretensions to be one. Our city government only needs to provide the most basic municipal services at a high level, not a bunch of stuff at poor levels. Concentrate on doing that and the taxpayers will be happy.
swim dad wrote on Jan 22, 2009 4:27 PM:
what a complete waste of time and money. if the city is going to spend that kind of money, maybe they should put into improving mingus park pool some more. the pool benefits more of the community than a skate park ever will.
Leah wrote on Jan 22, 2009 4:25 PM:
There's too many sides of the story going on here. I heard the kids that the park is being built for haven't put forth a very good effort, the volunteerism was lacking in the first place. All we need now is for the city to stop and then we'll be left with what remains, for years to come. I could see Coos Bay doing something like that. Just finish it, please! And it will bring tourism, people looking for that sort of thing will know how to find it.
TO Chuck Freeman wrote on Jan 22, 2009 4:13 PM:
After reading the first comment here by "SK8 MOM" I am very concerned. My son and his friends are ages 10-12. Is there really NO street course for this age group in this park? I consider all comments just hearsay but hope that you will make sure there is something for all age groups in a park of this size and cost. My son has waited anxiously for this to get done. I hope it's not just going to be for the older teens but for all skill levels from beginning, amatuer, intermediate..etc. Please ask that question of Schomaker or if someone else "like you Schomaker" knows "facts" about this, please let us all in on it. Cause we know your reading this....Thanks!!!!
Heres an idea... wrote on Jan 22, 2009 3:23 PM:
When the schools cut back to 4 days a week, the kids will have somewhere to go and hang out on the 5th day. Maybe some people could volunteer to go keep it safe and do some babysitting. Sounds like a deal to me.
Hmmm wrote on Jan 22, 2009 2:17 PM:
The skatepark is over budget because the people building it have kept city officials in the dark (what this article is saying) and now the city is going to give the same people more money. Don't be suprised when they come back asking for more money a third time. Seems like someone should have learned a lesson by now, but of course this is Coos Bay that were talking about so I guess I shouldn't be suprised. If the skatepark doesn't work out maybe they can put a statue in that concrete thing that sticks up.
Who knows wrote on Jan 22, 2009 2:07 PM:
I find it interesting that if the City is providing that much money towards the project should they not have someone overseeing what is occuring on a weekly or monthly basis at the work site and should they not recognize that there are changes to the plans. With change comes change in cost (mostly a increase). Wake up City of Coos Bay!!!! Who is running the show? Is the volunteers and hired help or you?
Trevor wrote on Jan 22, 2009 2:06 PM:
So, if I have a contractor building a house for me and he decides he wants to add a home theatre room than I have to pay for it?
What was this guy thinking adding onto the project without asking the people in charge of the money?!!
What was this guy thinking adding onto the project without asking the people in charge of the money?!!
What planet are we on wrote on Jan 22, 2009 2:04 PM:
Who really thinks this skate part will "pull in out-of-towners". No one out of town will have any idea this park exists. And 40k over budget, for a skate park when schools are hurting so bad. This is totally unacceptable. I feel sorry for the kids who raised money for this, but this is real life, they need to raise more. I would probably be safe in saying very few taxpayers would want their tax money going towards a skate park to pull in out of towners.
We really need to get our priorities straight here! Take that 40k and put it into advertising our area of the state to bring in out of towners.
We really need to get our priorities straight here! Take that 40k and put it into advertising our area of the state to bring in out of towners.
LIFER wrote on Jan 22, 2009 1:21 PM:
are you sure the city will have any money left to foot the rest of the bill. After all arent they gonna build that new visitors center that we dont need
Sk8 Mom wrote on Jan 22, 2009 1:19 PM:
It would not have been over budgeted if they had stuck to the original plans submitted to the City prior to ground breaking. Yes, it is a fabulous park, but no street course for the kids that don't and can't ride vert/bowls. Volunteers is NOT an issue. Several volunteers went over to lend a hand and were turned away and others that worked on it for the first 2 months are not even considered that they volunteered many hours. What gives?
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