MINERSVILLE - The Minersville Skatepark Association hired a new park designer and recently applied again for a grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation.
Secretary Bobbie Domlesky said Wednesday that due to conversations with people from the foundation, the association decided not to go with an amateur builder and started looking into other professionals.
Domlesky said that Jesse Clayton of Fifth Pocket Design, Philadelphia, will now be building the park.
"He's built three parks in the Philly area," she said.
Previously, Chad Gorby, Williamsport, was going to build the park.
Clayton has been building skateparks since 2008, has received volunteer awards from the state and was featured in Popular Mechanics in 2010, Domlesky said.
"He's got a lot of experience and expertise," she said. "He's also a skater."
Now, the association has a new design and the project will be two phases, the first a bowl and the second a street section.
The budget for the skatepark is now about $95,000, which Domlesky said is "a little higher than where they were before," but they are going to keep fundraising.
"We may actually get something done in October with phase 1 or wait until spring and do phase 1 and 2 together," Domlesky said.
The association also recently submitted its application for a grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation for the July 1 deadline that has an early August determination.
The Tony Hawk Foundation gives a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000.
As for upcoming fundraising events, the association will be holding a car wash from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 13 at the Good Will Fire Company No. 1, 25 North St., Minersville, and it will be $5 for a regular-sized vehicle and people can ask for the price for larger vehicles.
A bus trip is planned Sept. 7 to see the Philadelphia Phillies versus the Atlanta Braves.
The game is at 7 p.m. and the bus leaves from the Minersville area.
It is $88 per person, which includes a game ticket, bus ride and a two-hour tailgate party at the stadium parking lot before the game.
"Reservations are going fast, so call now," Domlesky said. "Only a full payment will guarantee a seat."
The association is also taking reservations for a bus trip to see the New York Yankees versus the Los Angeles Angels.
The game is 1 p.m. Aug. 15 and it's $59 per ticket, which includes a bus ride and game ticket.
To reserve a spot on either trip that benefits the skatepark, call Jim at 570-294-3110 or email minersvilleareaskatepark@yahoo.com.