Ortonville- The Village Skate Park is set to get a new look and a neighbor hopes to get some privacy with construction of a 10-foot fence, planned for next month with approval of the village council.
Township and village officials met Wednesday with Terri and Ernie Darnall, whose property is adjacent to the skate park. Terri Darnall has complained at several council meetings about a lack of privacy in her yard, particularly when bikes are in the park.
The village council next meets Aug. 13 and with their approval, construction of the fence, to span four sections, would begin the next day, says Village Manager Ed Coy. Currently, the four sections of fence are six-feet tall. Another four sections of fence that are currently four-feet tall will be changed to 6 feet.
Recreation Director Fred Waybrant estimates the fence will cost about $1,200 and will be paid for using skate park maintenance funds, generated by returnable bottles and cans.
The skate park will be closed for a few days during construction of the new fence.
New rules will also be posted soon, clarifying that bikes are allowed in the park on Tuesdays and Thursdays only and that the park is open until 9 p.m.