Public meeting Wednesday for plans for Emporia Skatepark

For the past year or so, City of Emporia officials have been discussing how or whether to move forward with an updated skate park at Santa Fe Park and a potential new facility at Whittier Park. Residents interested in learning more about these plans are encouraged to attend a special public meeting on Wednesday.

The initial goal was to upgrade Santa Fe’s facilities, but Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which owns the land and leases it to the city, changed the structure of its land lease, said Mayor Trey Cocking. For most, this means his 99-year lease will be reduced to his one-year lease, but Cocking says the good news for Santa Fe is that if the property is still being used as a ballpark, It means that the lease is valid and will be valid until 2060. After discussing the potential replacement of the Santa Fe Skate Park with a T-Ball complex, the city decided to review available space at other parks such as Fremont, Hammond, Peter Pan, Saden’s Grove and Walnut. Are you at the top of the list now? Whiter.

The Rec Commission has already announced potential plans for a relocated T-ball complex, a new driving range, renovated bathrooms and upgraded baseball diamonds.

The meeting will take place at the Little Theater in the White Auditorium from 5-6 PM. Further conversations will be held by the Emporia City Council as part of Wednesday’s official meeting.