Creators: Steve & Charlane Carlson
Time: 1995-1999
Size: 21,600 sf
Rules: Helmets required, bikes,
in-line skates, and skateboards allowed
Facilities: Fountain, bathroom,
benches and shade
Location: Located
in Chalmers Jones Park, 930 Chemawa Road NE, Keizer, Oregon (Adjacent to Keizer City Hall)
Directions: From I-5,
take the Chemawa Road exit (#260) and go West. Be careful,
Chemawa quickly banks left (south) at the first light. Follow Chemewa through the stop sign (straight) and turn into the Keizer City Hall and Police Station. The park is there.
History: In early 1995,
while listening to concerns from the business community regarding the
skateboarding and roller blading on their property, Charlane Carlson decided there was a need for a safe,
hassle free place for youth to enjoy their sport. In March, 1995 she stepped
out of her front door with a flyers in her hand to generate support for a skate
park in Keizer. The excitement and energy of the youth and their
willingness to support Charlane in her pursuit lead
to the formation of the Keizer Skate park Committee. After many hours of
research, phone calls, discussion of fundraising ideas, and design suggestions
from the kids, a formal presentation was made to the Keizer Parks Advisory Board
in April, 1996. The Board's unanimous consent to support the proposal brought
the Skate Park Committee to the City Council on January 21, 1997.This 21,600 square foot park is the largest in the
northwest with its collection of concrete bowls, ramps, berms
and jumps. With support from the City Council and a commitment of financial
aid, the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Keizer Skate Park took place on April 12, 1998.
The Keizer City Council has adopted Ordinance 2001-455 amending
Ordinance 90-188 and requiring the use of helmets while using the skate park.
The use of knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards is also strongly recommended.
Here is a glimpse of the two back bowls and
a railslide. City Hall, a drinking fountain and
honey bucket are in the background.