The Brownsville States-Graphic, Thursday, July 8, 2010— Page 15

Re-electFranklinSmithc o u n t y M a y o r

Paid for by Franklin Smith for County Mayor, Phil Moses, Treasurer

The Right Choice!Your Vote and Support Will Be Greatly Appreciated!

Skaters carve through ribbon ceremony for ‘sick’ parkAmong the half pipes,

ollies, and vertical 360’s, enthusiasm spread throughout Eastside Park Monday morning as the ribbon was cut for Brownsville and Haywood county’s first skate park.

Two years ago city and county officials were approached by a group of local skaters who said if you want to stop skating around town and businesses, give us somewhere to skate. Today, thanks in part to the Brownsville

Parks and Recreational Department they have that safe haven.

According to Nancy Cates, director of Brownsville-Haywood County Parks and Recreation Dept., the total cost for the skate project approximates at $140,786. The skate park is partly being funded through a land and parks grant the Parks and Rec Department received for the Park of Dreams and skate park, accompanied by matching funds from the city and county.

Community supporters, dignitaries and local skaters gathered last Thursday morning to celebrate the opening of Brownsville’s first skate park.

Dignitaries and community supporters shared the enthusiasm with the skaters as they cut the ribbon for the skate park located at Eastside Park Thursday morning. Pictured from left are: Brownsville Mayor-elect Jo Matherne, Chamber Director Joe Ing, Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith, Carolyn Flagg, Nancy Cates, Gerald Parish, and Police Chief Chris Lea.

Brownsville youth, Andrew Hay, shows off one of his best tricks Monday morning at the new skate park.

Elliot Hay ‘grinds one’ on Brownsville’s new skate ramp. A ribbon cutting was held last week to debut the park.

Pictured from left: Jeremy Jones, Alex Uselton, Joseph Haynes, Elliot Hay, and Andrew Hay.

Joseph Haynes and Andrew Hay lead the pack as they utilize the skate park at Eastside for the first time.