Skateboard Park Dilemma Concerns Dreger

By Tom Kocal

Three years ago, the City of Savanna approved a 25-year lease for the IC&E Railroad property at the junction of Rt. 84 and Portland Ave. on Savanna's south side. The site is the former location of the railroad ice house. The land consists of a cement slab, and is generally overgrown with weeds. Why the lease? Savanna resident Kurt Dreger visualized a Skateboard Park on the site, and the City agreed.

Dreger approached State Senator Mike Jacobs of Moline with the concept. Jacobs viewed the site with Dreger in 2007, and agreed that there was a need for a worthwhile project like a Skateboard Park for Savanna's kids, as well as visitors. He then asked the State of Illinois for funding to the tune of $70,000 - and got it.

But at the April 14 council meeting, the City started to change their tune. Alderman Jack Fosdick gave an update on the skateboard/youth park project. He said that the city had received the grant agreement but haven't yet received the actual funds. Alderman Bill Robinson recommended "talking about the city's options regarding the park with the park district," a task that Fosdick volunteered to do.

At the April 28 meeting, Fosdick reported on progress on the skateboard/youth park, saying that he had contacted the grant manager for an application, and that it would be a minimum of 90 days before the actual check for the grant was cut. He also said that there is no risk of losing the grant, and that "it would be possible to apply to make the location somewhere else." He used the example of EPA concerns regarding matters like protected wildlife being one reason the location might have to be changed. He reiterated that now the City was just "waiting on the check" before proceeding.

Dreger doesn't understand the reasons for the City wanting to move the Skateboard Park.

"We got the funding from Sen. Jacobs. Now that we got it, the City won't support it," Dreger stated. "We chose this site because it is an unattractive, undeveloped location with great visibility. Not so great as an eyesore, but great as a Skateboard Park."

Dreger mentioned some of the other locations proposed by the City in relation to the Portland Ave. site. He thinks the tremendous visibility of Portland Ave. will be a key factor in "keeping trouble out of the area."

"Just off of the Great River Road, Rt. 84, is the best place. It's accessible and easy to find."

Dreger doesn't like the proposed site at Helle Park. "The green space there is prone to flooding. But even if it's not too wet, why put it there? The kids that live in that neighborhood won't be able to play ball there, or use it for anything else but skateboarding. Why take away green space when we can improve a vacant lot?"

Old Mill Park on the east edge of Savanna was mentioned as another option. But Dreger says it is outside of the City Limits, where the City would have no jurisdiction.

"The proposed site there has no visibility. They want to push it way back in the park that already has a disc golf course, several ball diamonds, and tennis courts as attractions. That's fine, but it is not patrolled by the City Police Department. Old Mill Park is a great facility as it is. I think it would be better to clean up and utilize a great site like Portland Ave."

Dreger said City officials are concerned that there will be no washroom facilities on Portland Ave. Dreger states that it is not a problem.

"If this is an issue, Sen. Jacobs told me that he would secure the necessary funding to construct the proper facilities within one year of the Park being built on Portland Ave." Besides that, only half of the Skateboard Parks in the U.S. today have washroom facilities. Savanna's would be an upscale park, Dreger continued.

"Maintenance issues were brought up by the Council, too. This is not an issue, because the equipment that we are prepared to purchase is maintenance-free. The cement slab will be capped, and a 4-foot chain link fence will be installed around the site. The equipment is stainless steel with a 20-year warranty. Another company had agreed to donate a water fountain 'bubbler.' Also included is a 10 x 20 shelter house with open sides, and 2, maybe 3 picnic tables.

"We never asked the City for a dime," Dreger stated. "We have a $70,000 grant, plus $1200 from private donations. All we want is the green light to get this great project moving forward. We just want to build a strong community foundation, and eliminate these negative concerns.

"I sure don't want Sen. Jacobs to look bad, either. It's hard enough getting any money from the State of Illinois these days. Here we are getting $70,000, and the City doesn't want it. There is another city in Carroll County that does. I want to see it here."

Dreger, who also serves as a Carroll County Board member from District 1, feels strongly about growing the region.

"We need more economic development tools here in Carroll County to attract new businesses and residents. I'm glad to see the discussion of a real river port out at the Savanna Depot Park, which would be great for the Savanna river front. Hopefully, the Thomson Prison will open, and Carroll County will surely benefit from its $30 million payroll.

"How about a skateboard park? Kids need something to do, too. If we do positive things, we'll attract positive people."

with photos

Standing at the grill and pizza ovens are Fast Eddie's owners Sheila and Daryl Johnson. They invite you to enjoy the food and have fun at the only full-service restaurant in Shannon. (PA photos/Tom Kocal)

The sign on the bench in front of Fast Eddie's faces Market St. (Rt. 72), the object being to entice travelers to stop in, or call in and pick up their order curbside.

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