Dave Stair and Chris Meyer have all four wheels off the ground and flying through the air in hopes of landing a jump that will impact the valley for generations to come. Stair and Meyer are working toward getting a skatepark built in the valley. The idea for the development of a skatepark has been brought to the drawing board in the past, but never had the driving force that Stair and Meyer are now providing to the cause.
In addition to a skatepark, a team of valley residents are beginning the necessary steps to build a sports complex. When the plans for the skatepark and sports complex were first discussed, the project was one in the same; however, Meyer has suggested that the projects be separated to insure that the skatepark and sports complex do not impede each other's development.
 Dustin Herrera drops into the half pipe that was built in his backyard last year. Herrera’s neighbors oppose the half pipe and are working to force the family to remove it from their back yard. |
To handle the funding needs for both the sports complex and the skatepark, 1st District Supervisor Jon McQuiston said $200,000 in grant funds that are available for such community projects have been earmarked for the planned projects. Stair and Meyer are also looking into other grants and fundraising opportunities to insure that the park will have the needed funds. McQuiston's office said the county has donated a portion of land on which the complexes can be built.
While some community members have expressed their skepticism about the success of a skatepark, Stair and Meyer say they have the passion and motivation to see the project through until the end. Both were raised in the valley and have the drive and fortitude it will take to create another venue for positive activities for valley youth. Stair said, “I grew up skateboarding in the valley, but skating has become a crime.”
Local resident Ron Fagan, and his wife Debbie Herrera-Fagan, spent over $5,000 to build their son Dustin a half pipe, (a skateboarding ramp that is made of wood and resembles half of a pipe), only to have the complaints of a few neighbors shut their son's dreams down. The majority of the neighbors think that the addition of the half pipe is a good idea, but, according to the Fagan's, a minority has taken control on the issue.
According to Herrera-Fagan, her son isn't just your average young person skating for fun; he is sponsored by Gridlock Skate Company and has skated with professionals such as Tony Hawk. “It is so sad that just a few people can crush my kid's dream,” said Herrera-Fagan.
Meyer attended the meeting in which Herrera-Fagan presented her argument, reguarding the half-pipe, to the county office in Bakersfield.
Meyer's plans include an effort to unite valley residents and form a group of proactive citizens that will strive to change the negative perceptions of skaters.
Stair and Meyer now have children of their own and also mentor many valley youth. Stair is a snowboard instructor by trade; he has been involved in all types of youth activities from supporting the Boys and Girls Clubs in the valley and surrounding communities to offering his leadership skills to other youth activities.
Stair expressed what he considers “the overwhelming need for youth to have somewhere to skate” because the skaters are not allowed to skate at local banks, schools or businesses without receiving a $150 fine. “The skate park will give kids a place to skate and help them to become more involved, which will sway them away from negative behaviors,” remarked Stair.
Meyer was also raised in the valley, but said he has a more sentimental motivation for the project. Meyer's driving force for the skate project started nearly 30 years ago when his parents pursued the building of a local sports complex but were never able to accomplish their dreams due to a lack of support. “I want to fulfill the life long dream of my parents,” said Meyer. In addition to reaching out to local youth, the sports and skate complexes will be dedicated to Kern County Sheriff's Deputy Joe Hudnall, who was killed in a traffic accident in the Kern Canyon in November.
Stair and Meyer already have several plans in the works for the skate park. They have the skate park architectural plans that were developed several years ago. Stair and Meyer have also looked into working with landscape architect and urban design consultant Charles H. Strawter who specializes in skate park design. Strawter recently gave a presentation at the library in Lake Isabella.
Meyer explained that earlier skate park plans are not technologically up to date; therefore, Meyer wants a skate park designed to utilize more modern construction styles, thus making it more suitable for skaters. According to Meyer, Strawter has provided a funding and construction proposal that details the steps that are necessary to build a skate park.
Stair and Meyer are not blind to the work and support that will be necessary for the planning and construction of the skate park. “It is definitely going to have to be a community event,” Stair commented.
While Stair and Meyer have received bids for the construction of particular aspects of the park, they need volunteers to make the construction phase a reality. The skate park will likely take more than two years to complete. In the meantime Meyer and Stair are planning to purchase skating ramps, and rails to encourage local skaters to keep skating.
Stair and Meyer are anxious to break ground on the skate park. “We want the kids to see it is going to happen, so that they will jump on board,” said Meyer. While Stair and Meyer are the driving force behind what could become the valley's first skate park, they need support from the community. The pair has scheduled a meeting to discuss the future of the project on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Supervisor McQuiston's office. Parents, kids, contractors, architects - anyone wanting to support the development of the skate park is encouraged to attend.
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