A Scott Township resident wants to build a multi-use skateboarding facility in Scott Park so it can become an attraction for youths of all ages in the South Hills.

Mary Pitcher told Scott Township commissioners during their Tuesday night workshop meeting that they’re pitching the skate park to other South Hills communities, but Scott Park would be ideal.

“I’ve got to admit; Scott Park is absolutely beautiful,” she said.

Pitcher and Alexis Aggazio-Bach, who is helping with public relations on the project, presented details of the park so the commissioners could decide if they want it in the township. Mt. Lebanon and Carnegie officials have also expressed interest in building the $600,000 skate park, which would be fully funded through donations and fundraising.

“Anybody would be able to use this skate park no matter what your ability is, no matter what your age is,” Pitcher said.

Pitcher wants to build the skate park as a way to remember two of her sons after they drowned in July 2008 while at a reservoir in the Allegheny National Forest. The family originally lived in Dormont, but Pitcher has since relocated to Scott Township.

The commissioners were skeptical of the project when first approached about it in May, but seemed intrigued by the idea while listening to the two women speak.

Aggazio-Bach said they’re trying to offer an amenity that isn’t available in any area communities. The skate park would be custom built using feedback from the community and area kids who will eventually use the park.

“This is going to be a flagship model for other communities to base theirs off of,” Aggazio-Bach said.

The biggest concern from the commissioners was how the project will be funded. Aggazio-Bach said they have a person offering to put up 85 percent of the project if they’re able to raise the remaining money through local fundraising and donations. Scott Township would not be expected to put forward any money, expect for routine maintenance that they estimated would cost $500 a year.

“We need the community … to instill that sense of ownership so they understand what they have,” Aggazio-Bach said.

The commissioners also wondered how the skaters police themselves. Pitcher said the skaters are surprisingly courteous about using similar facilities and cleaning up after themselves. Scott police Chief Jim Secreet added that he did not have any major concerns besides additional people coming to Scott Park.

The commissioners might have to decide by their next meeting on June 26 whether they want the Pitcher Skate Park Foundation to consider Scott Township for the facility. Pitcher said the winner would be decided through a “points system” and construction could begin as early next year, depending on fundraising.

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