I heard recently that several skaters plan on approaching Grants' city council later this month for a skate park. From what I understand, they have a lot of support.

It is not unusual to drive down Santa Fe Avenue and see four or five skaters at the gazebo in the Riverwalk Park or at the corner of Santa Fe and Fifth Street riding their skateboards on benches, concrete walls, etc.  Shoot, I've even seen them inside the drive-up at Grants State Bank after hours. Shhhhh…don't say anything.

Point is, these guys want to ride. Ride their skateboards, that is. And if the place fits (and that fitting place happens to be downtown Grants right now), then so be it, they will ride.

I know, there was a park specifically built for young skaters behind Future Foundations Family Center. Sort of one of those gifts like 'we'll give you what you want but way in the back of this neighborhood, kind of out of the way and no one can see you guys.' And apparently, it didn't last very long and I can't blame the kids for not taking advantage of it, either.

These skaters want to be near downtown or the Riverwalk, that is where it's happening.  Sorry, but not behind FFFC.

I know of a place that could take just a little reconfiguration and is near downtown and in the Riverwalk - the very little used amphitheater.

I think it is used twice a year; once by a church group and the other for the Grants Police Memorial. Don't get me wrong, I think the place is nice but just has not been very successful based on times used each year.

Now for the skaters? The area is perfect. There is concrete for days, just what the skaters want. There are walls, steps…maybe even bathrooms, if people would behave themselves and not vandalize them. Currently, the bathrooms are closed because of a history of vandalism and the expense following such destruction.

The suggested area would take little funds to make into a more skater-friendly place. Whether it keeps the young people from skating at the gazebo or the GSB drive-up, for that matter I don't know. However, I do know the amphitheatre is not behind some neighborhood, hidden away somewhere. I think the amphitheater is a happy medium. I could be wrong…just a suggestion.

Community Happenings

For those folks who say, “there is nothing going on in Grants,” there is much happening to argue those words.

We just finished the biggest community event in the 'Wild West Days' this past weekend and there is more to come.

The state Roberto Clemente baseball tournament began on July 15 with opening ceremonies for all the baseball fans. The tournament will go through the weekend at the Grants Candelaria Sports Complex. Several area teams will be competing for statewide bragging rights. Good luck to the area teams.

Also, tonight is a book signing from a local author at the Cibola Arts Council on Santa Fe Avenue. On Saturday the group will be hosting a unique sidewalk chalk art event.

These are just a few of the many community events over the weekend. Be sure to look at the 'What's Up?' community events page for items that may interest you.  The page is updated every issue. If you have a community event please feel free to email the copy editor at editor@cibolabeacon.com. There is no charge.