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Updated: 6:06 PM Sep 4, 2010
Sneads Skate Park
Skateboarders now have their own place to practice in Sneads.
The city's new skate park isn't officially open, but teenagers are already using the new facility.
The idea was once just a dream for a few young residents who wouldn't give up.
Posted: 5:37 PM Sep 3, 2010Reporter: Vanessa Nguyen Email Address: vanessa.nguyen@wjhg.com Sneads Skate Park |
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Skateboarders now have their own place to practice in Sneads.
The city's new skate park isn't officially open, but teenagers are already using the new facility.
The idea was once just a dream for a few young residents who wouldn't give up.
Small towns like Sneads usually have limited recreational resources.
Five years ago, 19-year-old Joseph Raley and his brother, Justin, set-out to change that.
"Well it was always a dream, we were getting kicked out of everywhere we wanted to skate, like literally everywhere, we went to the school, we would skate on the road, our dad would make us ramps but we got kicked off in the middle of the road so we finally just got tired of it."
The Raleys gathered supporters, and roughly 600 petition signatures.
"...from teachers to people who owned restaurants and businesses around here and kids. The more enthusiasm we showed, the more people were willing to listen."
The group presented the petition to town council members, who agreed to help.
"It shows how good government in a small town works."
Town Manager Ed Kilpatrick was able to secure about $90,000 in state recreation grants.
"I was really, really excited!"
"What they tell me is it's just exceeded their wildest expectations. They had no idea we would be able to build something this nice."
The new skate board park will benefit future generations.
"I like the fact that it will give me a chance to improve on my skills in skateboarding," says 11-year-old Wyatt Howell.
"It's amazing that you put your mind into something and it really can happen."
The park will be named after former town council member Ricky Whittington's daughter, who died in a four wheeling accident years ago.
The dedication ceremony will take place once the landscaping work is complete.
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Sneads Skate Park








