Alliance officials celebrate pump track dedication

Alliance Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating a recent grant that helped bring the new pump track to the city.

During an event last month at Sean Scott Memorial Rotary Skate, officials gathered to mark the pump track’s official dedication.

The event paid tribute to those who help secure the funding. The primary source was the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, through assistance from State Rep. Scott Oelslager and State Sen. Kirk Schuring.

“Parks and recreation are a key element in any community for business development and attracting families,” said Oelslager, who attended the event July 28. “Alliance has done a great job.”

Alliance Friends of the Parks and the Greater Alliance Foundation also contributed, both directly to the pump track, and in the early phases of the skate parks development.

“This began nearly 20 years ago when Mayor Middleton made the trip to North Carolina to purchase the initial skate park equipment, and we provided $25,000,” said Doug Schwartz, director of the Greater Alliance Foundation.

Over the past two decades, the complex has continued to grow, with the expansion and improvement of the skate park area, made possible by Mark Fedor and Morgan Engineering.

“This park is like none other in the Stark County area,” said Harry Paidas, president of Alliance’s Board of Park Commissioners, while crediting the City of Alliance and Mayor Alan Andreani for their efforts and collaboration. “In a community such as ours, it is imperative that the city and parks work hand in hand, and it has been a pleasure to work with them.”

The Sean Scott Memorial Rotary Skate Park and the new pump track are located in Alliance’s Memorial Park, at 746 E. State St.