In addition to improvements to the only city-owned skate park in Little Rock, funds from a $150,000 Coca-Cola Bottling Co. grant will pay for a new entrance sign to Kanis Park, the construction of a small pavilion, batting-cage renovations and water and electrical upgrades.
City officials met at the park Monday in front of the skating area to announce how the funds will be spent, complete with a ceremonial presentation of the check from Coca-Cola representatives. The company announced in June that the city won the grant and that the majority of the funds would be spent to finish the Kanis skate park.
The skate park's uniqueness was touted Monday by several speakers.
The city built the skate park bowl in 1987, but over the past decade, skaters have built their own, self-funded skate features. In recent years, the city caught on and has contributed by offering concrete, which the skaters have helped pour and shape.
"When we first started, we weren't sure if it was going to get tore down, bulldozed or what," said Allen Taylor, who is among the skaters who call themselves the Kanis Krew.
"Expansion of the park is going to be phenomenal ... It's going to be awesome, one of a kind -- nowhere else," Taylor said.
Joe Gentry, general manager and vice present of the Coca-Cola marketing unit, said in a short speech that the company is committed to Little Rock and improvements at Kanis. He said the company would contribute funds in the future for fitness programs and sports equipment.
Asked about that afterward, Gentry said the company is still considering what additional support would look like but added that Coca-Cola is "definitely committed" to the project.
"We are proud to provide this support because we care, because we love this city," he said to the crowd.
The grant is meant to foster an active, and thus healthy, community.
City Director Doris Wright, whose Ward 6 includes Kanis Park, talked of the effort and time it took to get funding for park improvements. Several grants were written and denied before this one, she said.
"Finally, Coca-Cola has stepped up," she said.
Eventually, she hopes the city can sponsor an annual skating event at the park. She added that an asset like the do-it-yourself skate park ought to be shown off.
"When I see kids off the street in our parks, engaged in positive activity, that helps me sleep at night," she said.
It will be a few months before improvements are finished at Kanis Park, said Truman Tolefree, the city's Parks and Recreation Department director.
The park will get a new entrance sign, small pavilion, and upgrades to the batting cages and other amenities -- such as picnic and grill areas -- as well as fixes to the water and electrical system.
Metro on 07/14/2015