Skateboard park to remain open

County Commissioner Jim Adkins on Saturday assured the people of Spring Hill that Stewy's Skate Park will remain open.

However, the concession stand will be closed until the county rebids the contract.

Adkins said Saturday the county had no choice because the nonprofit organization that handled the operations defaulted on its insurance.

"We own the property out there and they didn't meet the contract," Adkins said.

Stewy's Skate Park, which is located at Pioneer Park, has emotional ties to many in the community.

Last June, as Amber Costa served refreshments to people who showed up at the facility, almost every person asked her what the future holds for Stewy's Skate Park.

Residents were worried because county commissioners had included Stewy's on the list of possible park closings to help balance the budget.

The park is named after Costa's 12-year-old son, who died in 2001 after a car struck him while he was riding a skateboard in the street.

A mother figure to the park patrons, Costa, 38, had some encouraging words for the kids last summer.

"Let's fight. Let's win. Let's save Stewy's Park," shouted Costa.

She had collected petitions with more than 2,000 signatures of supporters who joined together in an effort to keep the park open.

A group calling itself Save Stewy's Skatepark was formed, which would handle the concession stand and maintain the Pinehurst Drive park.

But the nonprofit organization was unable to maintain the insurance on the park, forcing the county to take action, Adkins said.

Adkins said Costa is free to submit a proposal along with other bidders.

County commissioners are expected to discuss the matter at their Feb. 28 board meeting.