Regardless of how one feels about the proposed skate park in Bowling Green, the city commission has approved it and construction is under way, which is why we take issue with several city commission candidates’ who made comments about future support of the park.

For the record, this newspaper hasn’t taken a position on the skate park.

Some argue that it would serve a segment of the community that lacks a local facility for their sport; others argue that the $850,000 cost could be used more efficiently on other things in the city.

Since the skate park will soon be a reality, however, it should be maintained and upgraded as needed like other city parks in our community.

We take issue with candidate Mark Bradford saying that he wouldn’t put anything further into the park, even for lighting.

This statement isn’t responsible. If Mr. Bradford is elected to the city commission, are we to assume that this investment of our tax dollars would be allowed to deteriorate? We recall that CrossWinds Golf Course (formerly Hartland) was controversial when it was proposed and during construction. Yet, no commissioner is advocating that no further money should be spent on it.

Former city commissioner and current candidate Joe Denning took the appropriate stance of opposition to the park by saying that once its done and a part of the city park system, it should be operated like any other park.

We also find it peculiar that several people have recently stated they weren’t informed of the plans to build a skate park.

Articles on this subject have been published in this newspaper countless times and the topic has been reported by the broadcast media. Not one person came before the commission during budget hearings when the skate park was discussed to speak against it.

Where were these people during the period the skate park was being discussed and ultimately approved?

The bottom line is whether you like it or not, once the skate park becomes a reality, it must be maintained like any other city park.