Artisan Skateboards construction workers are making good headway on the new skatepark. Accompanied by their job site dog, Mari, they are busy putting together the forms to pour concrete later this month. Pictured from left is Mari, her owner Durand Deasley, Mark Frady and Luke Bauslaugh. (Johnson Publications photo)
Skatepark construction on track at city park
The construction crew with Artisan Skateparks, based in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, is making good headway on Imperial’s new skatepark.
Currently, dirt work and building forms for the concrete are the main activity at the site in Campbell Park, said Mark Frady, construction worker with Artisan Skateparks.
“It will be closer to the end of the month when they will pour concrete. All the preparation must be complete and the equipment needs to arrive to move ahead. It’s going real smooth so far,” said Frady.
He added that as long as the weather holds up, they should be able to stay on schedule.
Durand Deasley, another Artisan worker, said he was amazed at how much money the kids in Team Hot Wheels raised for this skatepark.
“I know big cities who don’t have skateparks or the kind of community involvement that we have seen here,” said Deasley. “I am truly amazed.”
Frady said that they get frequent visits from members of Team Hot Wheels most days.
“They’ve been bringing us lemonade, and it’s good. No wonder it was a success when they started,” Frady said.
Deasley’s dog, Mari, travels with them.
“She provides job-site security,” he joked.
He said she was named after Guy Mariano, a famous professional skateboarder.
If the skatepark is done in time, it is hoped that a skateboarding school and demonstrations will be featured during Smokin’ on Broadway in June. It’s in the planning stages at this point, according to Smokin’ on Broadway committee members.
If the skatepark is not finished, there is a possible alternative plan to still add the new event to Smokin’ on Broadway.