NEW SKATE PARK COMING TO FERNANDINA BEACH

Operation Skate, a local non-profit organization raising funds for a public park for in-line skaters, skateboarders and BMX bicyclists, has been busy raising money in the local community.
In April, the kids raised $4,000 for their park by participating in a celebrity grocery bagging event at Publix, a car wash at McDonald's, a flyer campaign downtown and a town meeting. The celebrity bagging event brought local celebrities from all areas, including elected and appointed government officials, business and community leaders and more than 40 kids and parents.

The new skatepark will be patterned after one
located in nearby St. Augustine (shown Above)
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In May, the group also appeared before the Nassau County Board of Commissioners requesting funds, participated in the Shrimp Festival Parade, parked cars during the Shrimp Fest in cooperation with the Police Athletic League, held a fund-raising event at Wal-Mart and held a June dinner auction, featuring comedian Al Emerick and a musical performance by Shady Grady.
In July, the group benefited from Pirate Pedal, a community bicycle ride. Local businesses have also allowed Operation Skate to place collection containers on counters across the city. The organization plans to have additional fund-raiser events in the fall, including a Friends of the Skate Park program, Skate-A-Thon, Skate Night at a local restaurant and a phone bank on a local television station.
The organization secured two acres of land from the City of Fernandina Beach between the Alvarez Softball and Soccer Complex off of Bailey Road at the Parkway and the Airport. They hope to raise the funds for the park by January and begin construction on the park this year with a grand opening in 2004.
Major financial supporters of the park include the Tony Hawk Foundation, Drs. Owens and Van Etta, DDS and the Barchard family. Many area businesses have also donated products and services as well as cash donations. Such services have come from a lawyer, CPA, engineer, graphic artist, printer and public relations firm. The estimated value of the park is $450,000, but organizers believe they can cover half of the cost from in-kind donations of material and labor. To date, the group has raised over $10,000, with most of those funds being raised in the last 90 days.
This effort stems from more than 15 years of local interest among extreme sport athletes. In a recent survey by the City Parks and Recreation Department, a skate park received overwhelming support and was the number-one request of the community. Based on this finding, Operation Skate was formed to coordinate the skate park effort between the City and the County.
Donations are tax-deductible, and corporate sponsorship packages are available. To volunteer, learn more or donate toward the cause, please visit their website at www.operationskate.org or call 491-6652. Online donations are accepted.