Skate park in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Ongoing issues at the Wisconsin Rapids Skate Park caused it to close just a day after it opened for the spring.
The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department responded to incidents at the skate park multiple times over the years.
Dan Holmes started going to the skate park in 2020, let off some steam, and spend some quality time with his kids.”For sure and yesterday was one of those times where I was looking forward to doing that but our time got cut short,” said Holmes.
When they got to the skate park Tuesday, they were met with tense scene. “We pulled up to start skateboarding probably about 6:00, and it looked like a fight had just happened, and some people were dispersing at that point,” said Holmes.
Law enforcement stepped in and closed the park. “There were further threats that were made, mentions of guns, and due to those safety concerns, and to prevent further issues, the park was closed,” said Interim Deputy Chief Scott Dewitt.
And this isn’t the first time they’ve had to close the area. “There was littering, graffiti, and other fights and disturbances that had the park close last year,” said Dewitt.
The ongoing issues have left skaters frustrated, many wanted to express that they aren’t the problem.
“It really comes down to people treating other people politely, being courteous towards one another, and being respectful,” said Dewitt.
While the park is set to reopen soon, everyone said the community needs to be involved in order to find a proper solution.
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