Skate park slowly gains acceptance
One of the first things, 15 year-old Travis Emmite did when his family relocated from Denver was search out a place to use his skateboard.
Travis Emmite, 15, tries out a ramp at the Hammond Hill Skate Park in North Augusta, which opened in February, is enjoyed by skate boarders from both sides of the Savannah River.
Photo by Charmaine Brackett
"This is my third time" visiting Hammond Hill Skate Park since moving to North Augusta about two and a half weeks ago, he said.
Late last month, skateboarders from both sides of the Savannah River came to the skate park for the first Hammond Hill Skate Fest.
"It's just a day when kids can come out, and we can find out what kids want. Why they like the park; why they don't," said Jeremy Jiunnies, Riverview Park Activities Center superintendent.
The Hammond Hill Skate Park off Cypress Drive opened in February.
"The day-to-day attendance is a little low," said Jiunnies, who attributed some of that to the weather.
So far, at least 150 skateboarders have tried out the facility. Recreation department officials have tracked the number through a waiver form skateboarders are required to fill out the first time they use the park.
Zach Eubanks, 13, of Evans said he has used the park about eight times.
"It's great. I like it," he said.
To improve it, add "better rails," he said.
Travis Nagy, a 15 year-old Greenbrier High School student, said he enjoys the park as well.
"It's a good park," he said. "I don't see much negative."
However, if it could be improved upon, he said he'd add more equipment in some of the blank spots on the former tennis courts.
The skate fest was a daylong activity featuring free use of the park and a skateboard skills clinic.