Oskaloosa Urban Park Continues To Evolve

Users of the skate park have stepped forward in different roles while taking ‘ownership’ of the park and help with concerns that arise

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The new Oskaloosa Urban Park has so far been a big success with its intended fan base, even as the finishing touches are yet being added.

But, a recent incident of vandalism, even minor in nature, along with some lingering questions and concerns was our starting point.

There had been some vandalism at the new urban park, with some graffiti marked on the grounds, but the users of the park called authorities to report the incident. Then, they helped to clean up the window chalk that had been used to make the graffiti. MCRF spokesperson Sherry Vavra said she isn’t surprised by how the users of the skate park reacted to the graffiti. “To tell you the truth, it was rather impressive to see the kids come together like that.”

Vavra says that anyone who wants to volunteer can be a part of the committee. They only need to call MCRF for more information.

As of this writing, no one is sure who marked up the park, as it was done in the middle of the night and then was promptly cleaned up early the next day. Vavra explains that they have invited some of the ‘regular users’ of the park to be part of the ‘Skate Park Committee”. With their knowledge and understanding, these ‘regulars’ will then be able to help educate others about the park, including such things as what it takes to actually take care of the park. “It’s awesome seeing the kids jump in, wanting to take care of the park.” Vavra says she believes it’s the “peers teaching the peers” that makes the difference over a lecture, which is something that no one wants to do anyway.

Oskaloosa Police Chief John ‘Jake’ McGee says that “there’s not been anything out of the norm.” He did add he believes that officers will respond to calls at the park at the current rate, “until the newness wears off.”

And that could come sooner than later when Des Moines opens its new 65,000 square foot skate park, that will also be open 24 hours a day.

Until then, McGee says that there hasn’t been any upsurge in problems associated with the new park. As anywhere, protecting personal property is important, but according to police, the amount of theft there isn’t any different than other places. McGee says that if bikes, skateboards or other items are being stolen, they should be reported to the police department.

If there is anything that has brought extra emergency vehicles to the urban park, it’s medical calls for skaters and riders injuring themselves.

A recent incident even required the fire department to respond to wash away blood from a head injury sustained by a user.

Vavra says that MCRF is trying to encourage helmet usage. “I have seen an increase in helmets,” Vavra says referring to nearly 20 to 30 percent wearing helmets. “It’s been a big jump from zero, or virtually zero.”

“We want to make sure the kids know that if they can’t get a helmet, MCRF will help them do that,” Vavra said. “Safety is still our first priority.”

One other point of concern is High Ave and park patrons taking their activity from the park to the street. “That’s an issue, they [users] almost consider that [High Ave] a part of the park,” McGee says. OPD has an officer on a bicycle in the downtown area most times during the evening attempting to help keep things in order and quiet in the area.

Along High Ave, MCRF is working with the city to get some signage in place to warn drivers to the danger.

As far as park users crossing A Ave safely, “Right now we are continuing to encourage the kids to use the crosswalk that’s there, to go to the red light and use the crosswalk. I’m seeing some of them doing it.” Vavra says, but also says that as with anything, “when some peers start doing it, others will follow,” or that is the hope she says.

All of the groups involved are in discussion on trying to find ways to make the environment safer for the park users and well as drivers. One of those will be the installation of security cameras in the future.