There will be no skateboarding facility at the future Myrtle Reservoir Park.

That announcement came from Parks and Recreation project manager Virginia Hassinger and planning manager Kevin Snoops during the third of four public meetings held at the High Point Community Center last week.

The news delighted some of the 60 in the audience, but angered others. The reason given for removing the skate park option, which had been included in renderings by landscape architects Nakano Associates until April 8, was that the feature would put the million dollar-plus budget allotted by the Pro Parks Levy over budget. Neither Hassinger nor Snoops made reference to the notion that skate parks attract teen crime, the priority concern voiced in previous meetings by the anti-skate park faction.

Nakano architect Jim Yamaguchi seemed neutral and tried to move the meeting forward saying, "We can now talk about other features."

He presented two renderings with playground equipment from which to choose. He pointed out pathways, plant features, and grading issues unique to the two and a half acre site. A portion of the park will sit atop a two-foot soil cushion above the lid that now covers the reservoir. He said the land immediately surrounding the two towers would be on the park's southern border and not part of the park itself.

During the question and answer period some requested a restroom facility but were told it would be too costly. "Concerts and other celebrations at the park would justify bringing in Sani-Kans," Hassinger said.

Several pointed out that busy roads that could endanger pedestrians surround the site, and crosswalk issues were raised. The park site is on the east side of 35th Avenue between Southwest Myrtle and Willow streets.

"Those are concerns that need to be addressed directly to (the Seattle Department of Transportation)," she said.

Concerns were raised about the planned removal of fence separating the western border of the current site from the gravel alley and homes. Residents feared the fence's removal would invite criminals into their backyard once the park opens, in the summer of 2009. Hassinger seemed receptive to considering a new fence scheme.

Throughout the question and answer period, concerns began snowballing about the handling of the skate park taken off the table. While those apposing skateboarding were placated and made little noise, some on the pro-skateboard side became vociferous and insisted their wish for the skateboard feature was not taken seriously.

About 10 teens and pre-teens showed up, some carrying skateboards under arm. They pointed out that no skate park exists within walking distance to their houses. They also resented being prejudged as criminals and simply wanted a safe and legal place to skateboard.

"The skate parks are at least 45 minutes away ... . We came here to try to change some opinions tonight," said young teen Lucas Stewart.

"There are a few bad kids in every group of kids but it seems like all skaters are singled out,' said Stewart's friend, Chris Nolls, who attended the meeting with his sister, Sarah, also a skateboarder.

Matthew Lee Johnston, 37, advocates skate park development via his Web site seattleskateparks.org. He argued Parks and Recreation were dismissive without offering viable reasons for removing the skate park option. He insisted alternative funding options discussed at previous meetings were not taken seriously.

Johnston pointed to the group of disappointed teens seated quietly in the back.

"I feel bad for these guys who have no safe place to go," Johnston said. "I ask Parks and Recreation to step up to the plate and stand behind kids like this. West Seattle is way deficient in building skateboard parks."

Sunshine Toledo argued that her 14 year-old son had nowhere to go to skateboard. She said that a skateboard park would keep teens out of trouble by giving them something to do.

"There are a million safe places for my 2- and 12-year-old to play. There is no safe place for my 14-year-old skateboarder. He's in parking lots (to skate) and gets kicked off school grounds and church areas. What's West Seattle going to do? We can't wait until a child gets hit by a car."

For information on Myrtle Reservoir park: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/proparks/projects/myrtle.htm

Steve Shay may be reached at 783.1244 or steves@robinsonnews.com