Kentucky State Police Det. Casey Keown, who lives in Grayson County, spoke to Grayson County Fiscal Court on Thursday in support of new skate park.
Keown told magistrates from a prepared text that he is not only “… an advocate for the construction of a new concrete skate park but also a voice for the countless individuals in our community who seek a haven for self-expression, physical activity and connections.”
Keown noted that the condition of the skate park situated below the Grayson County Judicial Center, and constructed in 1996, has “deteriorated, posing a danger to its users.”
“I believe it’s time for us to invest in our community’s future by providing a new, high-quality concrete skate park,” Keown said. ”A space where our youth can truly flourish. I’d like to propose that we take action to physically allocate a one-acre section of land to the ‘Twin Lakes Skate Park Project.’”
The land, Keown noted, is the same property where the current skate park is located, and is owned by the county. The possible space used for a new skate park could be behind the Grayson County Public Library.
“By dedicating this space to a skate park project, we not only address a pressing need within our community, but also reaffirm our commitment to the well-being and development of our youth,” Keown told magistrates “Furthermore, this dedication will ensure the skate park will become a lasting asset enjoyed by generations to come.”
Keown ended his remarks to Fiscal Court with a personal note on how a skate park can help shape lives.
“As someone who has personally experienced the transformative powers in such a space, I can attest that a skate park is more than just concrete and metal rails, it’s a hub for forging friendships, honing skills and creating lasting memories.”
Following Keown’s presentation, Judge-Executive Kevin Henderson said Fiscal Court was not opposed to the idea, but that the problem is the amount of money a new skate park will cost to construct.
The proposed 11,000-square-foot park would cost between $650,000 and $935,000, based on Keown’s previous presentation to the Leitchfield City Council in support of a new skate park in March 2023, where he estimated the concrete park would cost between $60 and $85 per finished-square-foot.
One source of funding could be the Tony Hawk Foundation – Hawk is widely considered the greatest skateboarder of all time, as well as an entrepreneur — has been rebranded the Skate Park Project. The organization provides grant money to cities building skate parks, but Keown told the Leitchfield City Council that he believes local government must provide 30 percent of the cost of the project before the Skate Park Project would consider issuing a grant.
The skate park proposal remains under consideration as officials explore how to finance the project.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
