RV Sutton excavating company contributed 100% of labor, equipment and materials in preparing the Skate Street skate park site near the Prairie-Duneland trail at 15th and Broadway.

The task included tearing up asphalt of the existing bike trail, digging the 129' by 48' area, filling in a gravel base, leveling it and compacting that for a firm foundation.

Putting in a full day's labor starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday, the crew included John Lawson, Roy Darnell, Dusty Henley and Rudy Sutton.

The skate park is located at the center of the old railroad right-of-way. Bruce Mathias, park department superintendent, who is project managing and coordinating the trades, has plans to have the bike trail curve around the skate park along the woods.

Bill Mullin, president of Duneland Extreme Sports the civic group raising funds to build the park, said, "This crew really worked quickly and with very exacting detail to get this step of construction completed. The job was scheduled the prior weekend of our torrential rains. That only compounded all the regular work they had to do during their work week. This great crew was literally going on triple overtime, showing just what local heroes these guys are. Besides labor, there must have been a dozen truck loads of gravel delivered too. They'll get major park site recognition and I encourage everyone associated with the skate park to thank them."

The next phase is pouring the cement pad as the crew and supplier will be selected this week to proceed.

In another development, local artist Deborah Landry, who is a devoted advocate for public art enhancing a community, is working with Duneland Extreme Sports for funding art work at the park. Businesses are still being asked to donate toward the purchase of ramps.

The fundraising has reached 70% of the goal. The organization anticipates that, with visible progress, the community will step-up and contribute.

Duneland Extreme Sports can be contacted at info@DunelandX.org

 or (800) 888-7151.

Posted 9/23/2008