City officials hope park changes east side

Since 2006 the city of Pueblo has been working on opening a skate park on the east side and it’s finally a reality.

“When you hear comments that this is the neatest place in the whole city and everybody’s excited to have this, it makes it all worthwhile,” said Steven Meier, Pueblo Parks and Recreation director.

Park planners say the park is a place for kids from all over Pueblo to come together and get to know each other.

“Around here was bad and now since they’ve put it in, it’s gotten way better and the kids are safe out here,” said Jody Davis, who coordinated the skate competition that was going on at the grand opening.

Councilman Larry Atencio says the new skate park is going to be the anchor to the revitalization of the east side.

“They’re going to find out that the east side isn’t what everybody else has been telling them about, because kids from every side of town will come here and gather,” Atencio said.

Often the east side is associated with gangs, but Atencio is hoping to change that image, starting with the park

“That’s exactly what we have to do is provide activities for young people so that they will stay out of trouble,” Atencio said.

With the success of the park city officials hope to keep growing the east side.

“We have a lot of ideas and community things that we’d like to plan for this, or build for this area around here.” Meier said.

The city is working to get more money to put lights in the park and redo the parking lot and bathrooms.