Emmaus Council Approves BMX/Skate Event

Tuesday night Emmaus Borough Council unanimously approved a request by Emmaus Action Sports Association (EASA) to host a BMX/Skate Jam at the Williams Street basketball courts.

The event, which will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25 from noon to 5 p.m., is being marketed by EASA as a chance to raise awareness for a BMX/skate park in Emmaus.

For borough council, the fundraiser represents much more – the chance to test drive a skate park in Emmaus.

“This will give us a taste and feel of what a skate park would look like in the borough,” said Councilman Nathan Brown.

Councilman Mike Waddell agreed. “I’m curious to see how this plays out,” he said. “Do they fulfill their promises (in terms of cleaning up, etc.)?”

Councilman Brent Labenberg posed a few questions about the proposed Sept. 25 event – asking about insurance policies, the types of ramps and hookups needed and the fees being charged.

"I do support events like this as long as my questions are answered," Labenberg said, before giving the BMX/skate jam the thumbs up.

Councilman Wesley Barrett, who heads council’s parks and recreation committee, reported to council that his committee is working with EASA and reviewing other possible locations for a skate park in the borough besides the Williams Street courts.

“We’ve taken a step back and they are working on not so much what it looks like but where,” said Barrett, adding that the EASA has presented the parks and recreation committee with a few potential skate park locations, detailing the pros and cons of each.

Parks and recreation will share that information with council at a future meeting, Barrett said. .