Site could do the trick as skate park location in West Allis

West Allis - Although the site has some drawbacks, the northeast corner of 84th Street and National Avenue is leading the pack among potential locations for a skate park the city wants to create.

If built, it would allow kids and adults to skateboard and do trick riding on BMX bikes. But city officials want input on how well people think the site would serve and suggestions for other sites.

City officials and a consultant have already looked at many sites, and the consultant will submit his evaluations of each.

The 84th Street site has several pluses, said John Stibal, development director.

It's green space already, with a business as its only neighbor, and is located on the edge of the area - east of 84th Street - in which the city wants to place the park for maximum benefit to residents, Stibal said.

But everything's negotiable, said Stibal, who acknowledged that he isn't 100 percent sold yet.

Neither is Alderwoman Cathleen Probst, who said the West Allis-West Milwaukee School Board has noted the site is small and close to a busy intersection.

"That's a sobering thought," she said, "looking at kids and cars."

A potential lack of parking bothered Alderman Marty Weigel.

"We could move a bus stop and gain a couple spots," he suggested.

Among the alternate sites examined were Veterans Park and Liberty Heights Park, Stibal said. But veterans objected to using Veterans Park, and Liberty Heights is already heavily used.

Residents are invited to leave suggestions or comments on Facebook or to call the City Hall, (414) 302-8200.

Half the $300,000 estimated cost for a skate park would come from a corporate donation, Stibal said. The other half would be from a Community Development Block Grant.