(July 2, 2007) -- Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has removed an item regarding the El Dorado Skate Park from the July 3 City Council agenda -- and will reschedule it at a subsequent Council meeting ,

In a release, her office says, "Due to the 4th of July Holiday, a number of 5th District Youth Council members will be unavailable...Therefore, Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske has elected to pull the skate park agenda item from the Council agenda. 'The kids started the process together, and they deserve to finish the process together...We’ll bring the item back at a later date.'

Councilwoman Schipske turned the skate park users' concerns into a civics lesson...having young people from the "5th district Youth Council" conduct a fullblown April public hearing -- complete with testimony from city staff, various officials and the public. The hearing resulted in a number recommendations which Councilwoman Schipske agendized for July 3 Council action.

Now slated for a future meeting to be announced, the recommendations include doing away with helmet and pad requirements and the $200 citations for violations; improvng signs so skaters know they're skating at their own risk; employing a full-time recreation leader to supervise and interact with skaters; establishing a "public-private partnership" with firms to raise money for park improvements; involving skaters in a park clean up and enhancing he park design to meet skaters' concerns.