Skate Date makes return at National Guard Armory

The Fort Scott Tribune

Following the success of their first Skate Date, the Fort Scott Skate Park Committee is at it again.

The Fort Scott Skate Park Committee is set to host an indoor Skate Date from 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5 at the National Guard Armory, 2301 Horton St.

The first event held on Sept. 21 was a success, with an estimated 100 participants and an equal number of spectators. The goal of the first event was to introduce the community to the Skaters as Scholars program. The goal for the Indoor Skate Date is to build on that success.

"Our main goal is to reinforce the Skaters as Scholars program," Skate Park Committee member Nate Lyons said.

The Indoor Skate Date is also being used as a fundraiser for the Fort Scott Skate Park Committee. To help raise money, there will be merchandise on sale, including FOX apparel and Skates as Scholars T-shirts. Also added to the event will be concessions including hot dogs.

Like the first Skate Date, there will be contests and prizes available to the skaters. The Indoor Skate Date will also include a prize drawing for a five-disc skateboarding video boxed set.

While organizing the event the committee was faced with a few challenges. The limited space provides a safety issue with skaters running into each other. According to Lyons, the ramps will be laid out in such a way as to keep the skater with more experience in a different area than the novice skaters. Also, because of the different atmosphere, the committee is requiring the use of helmets by all skaters.

Lyons said all indoor and most outdoor skate parks require helmets for skaters. He added that since the committee wants to promote responsible and safe skating, this would be a good time to introduce the requirement.

"The main thing with all these events is to go out and be active and of course providing a safe location," Lyons said.

To participate in the Indoor Skate Date, skaters must present a permission form with their parents signature and a $2 entry fee. For more information or to print Skaters as Scholars forms or parent permission forms visit the committee's Web site at www.fortscottskatepark.com.