More ‘flow’ for skaters

Andy Gilbert, the 28-year-old mastermind behind the Ketchum Skate Park, is experiencing the fruits of his labor.

First of all, the park is becoming more crowded.

"This weekend was unbelievable," Gilbert said. "I left twice because I couldn’t get a run in."

Second, the skaters are getting better.

"The kids want more stuff," Gilbert said.

Finally, the park needs a more even flow.

"It just stops. There’s no where to go," said Gilbert. "With a skateboard park, you want to push as little as possible."

To remedy this fault, Gilbert proposed a 40-foot extension to the skate park, located on the edge of Ketchum’s Park and Ride lot.

The extension will cost about $2,000, Gilbert said. He said he had secured donations for much of the materials and labor.

"The skaters will do a lot of the work themselves," he said.

While the skaters have raised the money for the extension, Gilbert did ask the city to help with landscaping costs. Four trees, a sprinkler head and a sprinkler control box will need to be moved.

The council voted unanimously to help out with the project.

"We’ve committed to do what we can," said Council Member Dave Hutchinson.

City administrator Jim Jaquet said he would contact local landscapers to begin work on the project.

Gilbert was excited about the new ramp.