A skate park with a long history in Palm Bay has been shut down, much to the surprise of residents and the business's owner.
- Graffiti Skate Zone closed by city officials
- City manager notes facility needed updated insurance
- Skate park located on city land
Graffiti Skate Zone, Palm Bay's only skate park, closed up shop Wednesday after owner Dan Hatcher received an email from the city.
“I was not prepared at all for them to tell us we had to cease operations,” said Hatcher.
City Manager Gregg Lynk said the process started in September.
“We started back in September contacting Dan, telling him that we needed updated insurance and that his current policy was going to lapse," said Lynk. "He ended up telling us he didn’t have the money, so we had to close the skate park temporarily."
The skate park is on city-owned land. While Hatcher pays a small fee per year to use the land, the other responsibilities like maintenance and upkeep are left to him.
Hatcher been asking the city to change the deal and their role in the park's management for years.
“It’s not something that needs to be taken away from the community and kids," said Hatcher. "It needs to be improved upon, but I’ve done all I can personally and financially. Now it’s time for the city to do that."
Hatcher said he’s put in tens of thousands of dollars over the past 12 years the skate park has been open.
City officials said they value what the business brings to the community, and intend to meet with Hatcher next week to discuss options to have Graffiti Skate Zone re-opened.
“I’ll keep continuing to fight until we can find a way to get this redone here or opened back up, whatever it takes,” Hatcher said.
Hatcher started a GoFundMe Page in order to raise money to hopefully re-open the park. To find out more or to donate, visit gofundme.com/saveoursk8parkGSZ