Organizer hopes to breathe new life into Janesville skatepark effort
Photo 
Roger L. Streich
JANESVILLE — The man behind the drive for a Janesville skatepark said his seven-year effort is back to square one because the city continues to waffle on a location.
On Monday, the city council with a 5-1 vote promised to give the park $50,000 if Streich raises $250,000 by Dec. 31, 2010.
Ironically, the council Monday night referred the proposed location in Palmer Park back to the leisure services committee.
The council in 2005 overruled the leisure service committee and chose Palmer Park as the site. The leisure services committee had spent months studying the question before recommending the skatepark be placed across from Lions Beach. At the time, Streich pushed for the Palmer Park location, and the council agreed.
The chairman of the leisure committee was so angered by the council’s decision in 2005 that he resigned, saying his time was better spent at home with his family.
Since then, Streich has raised about $26,000. A park would cost between $300,000 and $400,000.
In 2007, former council member Amy Loasching suggested a new site on Jackson Street near the batting cages. She thought the city could get federal funding because it is in a targeted area.
“I’m convinced there was an undercurrent (against the Palmer Park site) from Day One,” Streich said Tuesday, noting that nearby residents campaigned against the site.
Streich told council members Monday that although he doesn’t think fundraising will be easy, he could raise $250,000 if the city makes a solid decision on a location.
City Manager Eric Levitt agreed that potential donors would want to know where a facility would be placed.
Although Streich in the past was adamant in his support of Palmer Park, he said he is now open to any site.
“A skatepark someplace is better than a skatepark no place,” he said.
“Just give me some idea you guys are behind it,” Streich said. “I’m open to anything to get this off the standstill.”
Councilman Tom McDonald said Beloit’s skatepark is near a fire station and wondered if a skatepark could be built at the site of the current ice arena on Beloit Avenue if a new fire station is built there.
“Maybe that would save some costs if done in unison,” he said.
McDonald said he doesn’t favor a Palmer Park site because the park already is crowded.
Councilman Yuri Rashkin wondered if a $50,000 commitment from the city is enough.
Streich vowed to raise the needed money if the city gives him support. He estimates costs would total less than $200,000 because residents are willing to make in-kind donations.
Bill Truman was the sole no vote on Monday. Frank Perrotto was absent.
Truman disagreed with Streich, saying the council has shown plenty of support in the past.
He said he still is angry about Streich’s reaction about the Jackson Street site in the Fourth Ward.
Streich opposed that site because he said it had problems with crime, was near taverns and had sexual predators living nearby.
Truman said taverns are located near the Palmer Park site and sexual predators probably live nearby, as well. He still prefers the Jackson Street location.
“You mention the Fourth Ward like it’s the baddest place in the city,” said Truman, who lives there. “I don’t have the problems you think the kids are going to have … We don’t have rapes, robberies. You hit a nerve with me.”
Streich said Tuesday he hoped the leisure services committee would address the location as quickly as possible because he now has a deadline.
Dec 24, 2009 at 12:12 p.m.
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janesvegas -- sorry there is nothing over by GM except PEOPLE. like me... living in HOUSES.. and the batting cage and ball park. And bike trails. and a convenience store/gas station. Perhaps PUTTING something over there would be a good idea? Our kids are little yet, but a skate park would be great -- depending on how convenient it is to get to...
Dec 17, 2009 at 3:53 p.m.
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Growing up i rode my bike twice a day to get to Babe Ruth field and I live on the far east side of town. It was well over a 2 or 3 mile bike ride just to get there. Thats what I mean when I say you dont have to drive to get to use the park.
Just what I said...that area by GM is totally run down, nothing over there, empty. Also, I know where the trail runs throughout the city.
It should be put where it has most potential for use. It shouldnt matter if its on one side of the town or the other. Just in a good location for that particular age demographic to use.
I dont know where that spot would be exactly as of right now...
Dec 17, 2009 at 2:50 p.m.
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wtp--I'm not trying to start a debate. The Beloit skate park has had alot of problems. There is pretty blatant pot use in the parking area. Vandalism at Telfer park has increased as well. All of that being said, I believe that this is still a good idea. Communities should continue to invest in their youth. Beloit did the right thing by putting the skate park in a wide open area. There is alot of traffic for other activities. Janesville would be wise to consider these criteria when choosing a location.
Dec 17, 2009 at 1:46 p.m.
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I don't know what exactly is the problem with having a skate park. But I do know this, The city does not like "Skaters" in the city. Why? Because of there stereotype. Well that is BS! A lot of kids and adults alike skate, weather it be with skate boards or roller blades, to get away and relax and enjoy what they love to do or maybe even to try something new. Janesville calls themselves the city of parks. I ask you this why is this park so different?
Dec 17, 2009 at 11:54 a.m.
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In the wise words of John D. Rockefeller, "These are days when many are discouraged. In the 93 years of my life, depressions have come and gone. Prosperity has always returned and will again."
-Everything will get better, just think positive and try to make an effort to help out. Rockefeller was a business genius and he even called it.
Dec 17, 2009 at 8:24 a.m.
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I have to agree that the green area between Lions beach and possible the new fire station would be an ideal location. Beloit skate park is located next to the fire station and to date I have heard no bad reports about gangs and pot. I am sure the fire station plays a part in keeping out the undesirables. There skate park is very clean and all you Janesville skate park bashers, please make an effort to stop there some day in the summer and see for yourself. Kids of all ages use the park for bike and skate board. I for one would like to see something taking place this coming summer and then I know people will began to get behind the Janesville skate park.
Dec 17, 2009 at 5:13 a.m.
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janesvegas - that site by the batting cages is connected by the trail system which can be easily reached by both sides of the city. I am not sure why it is "all run down with GM and everything". You will have to explain that comment to me.
Dec 16, 2009 at 11:12 p.m.
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Mr. Sterich, please call me. 203-452-9061
Rich Peterson
Dec 16, 2009 at 9:44 p.m.
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The row of houses that is directly across Jackson Street from the batting cage is full of perfectly safe and normal-seeming people. I personally don't know what exact location on Jackson they were looking at putting the skate park, but that's my opinion of the batting cage area. The bike trail section that runs around there is very pleasant and not run down. The two bars that are there on Jackson are about as reasonable as you can get in terms of mom and pop type bars... and there is nearly almost always a cop parked by the bridge, doing paperwork. Could be a great location... depending on where exactly they are referring to.
Dec 16, 2009 at 8:36 p.m.
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As a resident of the Fourth Ward myself I would never deny that it has problems, but Streich's attitude is beyond ridiculous. Sexual predators are everywhere including on the east side. A more central and visible site is actually better because it will have more traffic and be less isolated and therefore dangerous.
Dec 16, 2009 at 5:48 p.m.
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"A location where there is potential for kids to get to without having to drive"
Janesvegas- Where would this be? You do know we are a city of 63k and many miles between one end and the other.
Dec 16, 2009 at 5:46 p.m.
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WOW,WHEN will it stop. Yes this would be nice but again NOT NOW. What don't you people get about stop spending money people don't have right now. I know the Tall House needs fixing but this is something we already own. It isn't some new thing we don't even own yet. Fix what we have and build new stuff when we recover a bit.
The sexual predators are EVERYWHERE in case you didn't know! I wonder where are those freaks are that we DON'T know about yet.
" We don’t have rapes, robberies. You hit a nerve with me.”"
Just shootings! Oh sorry one of those was in Look West. Not far though is it. I know crime is all over but the comment is stupid I think.
Dec 16, 2009 at 5:03 p.m.
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It all makes sense... but why wouldnt you put it somewhere where there is a lot of activity in the city. A location where there is potential for kids to get to without having to drive...
That area by the batting cages is all run down with GM and everything...
It would just be an area for more sketchy things to go on...
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