Sept. 30, 2008 — The Westwood Skateboard Park was completed Monday, Sept. 22. It includes a beginner’s half — pipe, an intermediate half — pipe, a wall ride, two roll-in ramps, two quarter — pipes, a manual pad and a fun box. Work began on the project about two and a half months ago. Randy Buchanan, general manager for the Westwood Community Services District, announced at the May meeting of the Board of Directors that he would build a wooden complex for skateboarders and cyclists on a tennis court next to the basketball court at Westwood Park. He made plans to start construction after the Fourth of July holiday.

While the district had considered building a skateboard park it did not take action until approached at the April WCSD meeting by Lynsey Hinze-Buff, a student at Westwood High. She presented a case for a skateboard park to the board.

Hinze-Buff said she got the idea to push for a skateboard park from a school essay assignment that addressed the topic: “What would you like to see changed in Westwood?” She and other students have wanted a skateboard park in Westwood for three years. Several local skateboarders came to the May WCSD meeting with Hinze-Buff in continued support of the project.

“This for me is a big accomplishment. I am amazed I was able to accomplish something so huge,” said Hinze-Buff.

She added her parents said her experience shows that one voice does make a difference and no one ever knows what changes might take place if they speak up.

Buchanan said it was great seeing the kids express themselves at a board meeting.

Once the district found liability insurance it could afford through the Special District Risk Management Authority there was nothing to prevent the construction of a skateboard park.

Cory Rickert, a water/sewer technician with WCSD, helped Buchanan with the construction. He said they listened to the skateboarders who used the complex while it was being built, providing ideas and insight on design. As a result the park appeals to skaters and often has 30 at one time, some traveling from Chester and Susanville.

Rickert said with so many in the small park it was crowded at times but the riders were learning etiquette stepping aside to let one group go and basically taking turns.

“It’s fun to watch the skaters. It’s very impressive the skills you have to have to skateboard,” Rickert added.

Buchanan added this winter WCSD employees would be working on additional picnic tables to use in a social area outside the skateboard park where people could hang out when not skating. The area would be set up following the winter snows.

The various structures at the skateboard park are all made of wood, therefore they have been painted with floor paint and covered with a protective coating that is used on boats. In addition, everything is on small blocks so it will not be in standing water.

The skateboard park will be closed during the winter.