Mayor and Council to consider replacing Gaithersburg skate park

Is skateboarding the best use of the land that currently holds the City of Gaithersburg's Skate Park at 510 South Frederick Avenue? That's what the Mayor and Council will begin to ponder at tonight's meeting (which is still on as of press time, but could be canceled later today).

According to a staff report, the skate park has operated at a net loss of revenue since 2010. Only 34% of users of the park are Gaithersburg residents. Use of the park is down 40% now compared to 2010. The report gives a negative view of the popularity and growth of skateboarding in America in recent years.

Alternative uses proposed by staff include a dog park, a picnic and entertainment space, a water park addition, and a handicapped-accessible playground.