Ortonville- The Village Skate Park will remain closed, at least until some new security measures, likely security cameras and/or motion sensor lights, are installed.
The Skate Park Committee made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday, after discussion on possible solutions to problems at the park. Committee members decided to pursue lights and cameras as more cost-effective measures to reducing issues which have included indecent exposure and drug use.
Moving the skate park out to the Brandon Township Community Park, scheduled to open next spring at Oakwood and Hadley roads, was not popular, as it would be expensive (approaching at least $40,000) and would be difficult for some skateboarders to access because of its location.
Committee Chair Kay Green also said she is opposed to skate park user fees.
‘I’m leery about a fee,? she said. ‘It’s a community park, you shouldn’t have to pay. I’m sure there’s an amicable solution where we can keep the park where it is, give peace to the residents and still let the kids enjoy it.?
The committee was seeking additional estimates for cameras and motion sensors and planned to meet again on Thursday, after The Citizen had gone to press.