Legal issues send skate park back to the drawing board

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Although legal issues prevent McCook Public Schools from donating property for a skate park, supporters will continue to research the issue.

The "Build McCook a Skate Park" group had hoped that the skate park could be built on donated property owned by the school district, in an area west of the high school and the YMCA. The issue had been discussed by the McCook School Board Facilities Committee, with an action item placed on Monday's agenda for the donation.

However, the item was removed when it was learned that per state statute enacted in 1996, school districts do not have the authority to give away property, if the property has value.

Rex Nelson, president of "Build McCook a Skate Park," addressed the McCook School board Monday night at its regular meeting and expressed his appreciation for the school board's consideration of donating the property.

Nelson said that the group plans to research options and fund-raising efforts related to purchasing the property and come back to the board at a later date.

Although other sites were considered and the group scoped out every available vacant property in the city, this property was especially desirable for a number of reasons, Nelson said. This included the high visibility of the location, being centrally located and close to service and shopping areas.

Other locations were more isolated, which could lead to vandalism, he said.

In response to a questioned by board vice president Sandy Krysl, Nelson responded that the group is comprised of about dozen kids and parents.

The board also unanimously approved the MHS band's trip in May, after school is out, to Chicago.

MHS band instructor Donita Priebe spoke to the board about the four-day, three-night trip, which would include tours of the Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, a river tour and other sites and if available, a Cubs or White Sox game. The band will go to Six Flags Great America, where they will perform.

Students will be responsible for costs of the trip, estimated at $644.