MAILBAG:Build skate park at promenade

Please take note citizens of Costa Mesa!

Are you aware of the proposed budget for the proposed skate park at Lions Park?

Four million dollars!

Yes, this is the proposed budget for next fiscal year for this project.

Let me repeat this again fellow Costa Mesa taxpayers: $4 million.

Has the City Council got its priorities straight? Four million dollars could be better spent on improving an aging infrastructure throughout the community.

Four million dollars could help purchase equipment for the local police and fire departments.

Why not better equip the people who serve us and give their lives daily for our welfare?

I’m in favor of skate parks but not in Lions Park where green space is precious.

I never thought I would say this but Martin Mallard is absolutely correct in recommending a location other than Lions Park be selected as the site of a major skate park venue.

He suggested purchasing land not in use in the southwest portion of Costa Mesa would better serve the skateboard community and not displace the activities of family, neighborhood and community groups.

I also endorse a suggestion made by community members that a tunnel for the 55 Freeway be constructed underneath Newport Boulevard south of 19th Street to create space for a pedestrian promenade.

A competitive, mixed-use professional skate/BMX park, recognized as a world class facility, could then be built on the promenade and used by local competitors daily.

Such a skate/BMX park could qualify as a site for professional touring events that would generate revenue to defray construction and maintenance costs from corporate sponsorships, media coverage during competitions, tourism and associated retail and service venues.

Why wouldn’t those beachgoers stop at the promenade for entertainment, food and drink?

RUSS RAMIREZ

Costa Mesa