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The Ukiah Skate Park committee has been in existance for approximately 10 years, trying to facilitate a site and build a skate park in town. It wasn't until June, 2004, that a site was secured and fundraising began in earnest.
Last winter, the Skate Park committee and the City of Ukiah were awarded a $500,000 grant for use towards the park. With it came the need to secure $218,000 in matching funds - whether it be in monetary donations or like services. Once complete, the skate park will include skating bowls, landscaping, seating, restrooms and parking.
Picnic and entertainment
The 1st Annual Ukiah Skate Park Picnic and Skate Jam was a community-based fundraiser, hosted by the Ukiah Skate Park committee in an effort to fill the coffers and get the park built.
We had a good turnout from the community - both as vendors and customers. The Kiwanis Club of Ukiah served up root beer imgs and ice cream, while the Ukiah Rotary Club barbequed up some chicken.
Members of the town gather in the Alex R. Thomas Plaza to enjoy the music of the various bands who donated their time to the event and food. Another donation was the use of a bounce house, which was a big hit with the kids. Mo manned the Skate Park committee's drink and raffle table.
Skate Jam
Since we do not yet have a skate park, we work with the city to set up an improvised skating arena. Wooden ramps, some with grinding rails, are brought out from storage and set up in a closed portion of the street. It's always a big draw for the local skaters of all age ranges, all skill levels and genders. All skaters sign a liability waiver and must wear a helmet to participate. We ask that a small donation be made to the skate park committee, but do not require it. Our motto is, after all, 'DOIN' IT FOR THE KIDS'.
Golf Ball Drop
Our final event of the day was our annual Golf Ball Drop. Numbered golf balls are purchased, loaded into a bucket and hoisted 70 feet into the air. At the conclusion of the countdown, the bucket is tipped and up to 1000 golf balls are dropped onto the 'green'. The first 3 balls into the golf ball cup win.
Sage, George and Doug set up the 'green'. Carole and I verified only sold golf ball entries are loaded into the bucket for the drop, while Casey eagerly awaits her job of dumping the golf balls into the bucket. Once the drop has been made,George prepares to wade through the water trap and retrieve the winning balls from the hole.
Overall, it was a successful fundraiser and an afternoon of great weather, food and community spirit. Our plan is to break ground in the spring of 2007 and with a little luck, we'll have the 2nd Annual Skate Park Picnic and Skate Jam in a completed skate park for our kids.
