Skate park event promotes helmet safety

 

Several local groups and businesses came together at the Etna Street Park on Saturday to host a bike and skateboard rodeo.

The event was used as both a promotion for child safety and as a dedication to the skate park, which opened in 2010. The park was constructed using grants from the Tony Hawk Foundation and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as well as donations from residents of Ironton.

“The park was needed,” Aaron Pettiford, a local skater said. “There used to be this skate shop downtown and everyone who skates would skate down there in front of it. But, when it closed down we didn’t have anywhere else to skate really. Luckily, this place opened up about the same time and so we migrated down here.”

Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship said the park was built for the youth in the community because they asked for it.

“We talked to people in the community about what kind of things the kids wanted,” Blankenship said. “The two things were a water park and a skate park. We were able to put in both of those things and they are something the community can be proud of.”

During the dedication a rodeo for bikers and skaters took place that promoted safety for the children. The rodeo consisted of the children completing an obstacle course and demonstrating skills on their bikes and boards. Participating children received new safety helmets, safety tips and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a brand new bike or skate board.

Sponsors for the event were the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the Ironton Police Department, Advance Auto Parts, Dickess Auto Repair, the Ironton Health Department, and the Friends of Ironton.