IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, June 19, 2008 - Yesterday, the American Ramp Company (ARC) of Joplin, MO, set up a skate park demo at the Ironwood Depot Museum/Chamber of Commerce parking lot, to allow local skateboarders and BMX bicyclists to test out the equipment they have to offer. A good crowd was on hand to check out the event.

According to company spokesman John Hunter a similar, permanent skate park equipped with the same ramps and rails as the demo would cost between $24,000 and $25,000. He explained that the demo utilized three different building methods the company uses to give the City and the park users an idea of their options.

The "top of the line" Pro Series equipment carries a twenty year warranty and is constructed of seven gauge galvanized, powder-coated steel. "It's what we sell 85 to 90 percent of the time." Hunter said.

The low-end Stealth Series has a marine grade wood substrate. It's about 8% cheaper than the Pro Series.

The mid-grade X Series is, according to Hunter, the most popular with skateboarders because that's what they usually see on television. The X Series is similar to the Stealth Series except the X Series features a metal substrate. The Pro Series has a powder-coated top layer that is extremely resilient to abuse and weather.

The top surfaces on both the Stealth Series and the X Series are made of a material called Ramp Armor® or Skatelite Pro™ . Both materials are paper-based material that are used as the final riding surface and every piece is cut on our C.N.C. router to ensure quality and accuracy.

Hunter told the Chronicle that most municipalities opt for the Pro Series because of its extended warranty; its superior construction; and its durability in harsh weather situations.

Hunter said that the City was unaware of the fact that ARC was willing to match, dollar-for-dollar, the Tony Hawk Foundation Grant money. He said City Manager Scott Erickson first learned about the match when they arrived in town for the demo. In other words, the City currently has about $32,000 to spend on park equipment - $10,000 from the Tony Hawk Foundation; $10,000 in matched funds from ARC; $10,000 from the Rotary Club; and roughly $2,000 in other donations. In addition, the City has applied for a $50,000 DNR grant and is awaiting the outcome of that application. "That would build a nice park!" Hunter said, "Especially for a municipality this size! And with a twenty-year warranty, then you don't have to worry about it!"

Many skateboarders and BMX bikers were on-hand to try out the ramps. Most responses to the equipment were positive, however most the bikers said wider ramps would be better. Naturally, such issues would be addressed prior to setting up a City skate park.

ARC gave away T-shirts and other prizes during the demonstration. They also held small competitions that allowed skaters a chance to win a new skateboard.

Several kids participated in testing the equipment, however there was an even greater number of kids simply watching. When asked why they weren't skateboarding, the answers were usually either, "My parents didn't sign a waiver!" or "I don't want to wear a helmet!"

For more information on the American Ramp Company check out their website at: http://www.americanrampcompany.com/html.php

For more information on Ironwood's Proposed Skate Park, contact City Manager Scott Erickson at (906) 932-5050.

Jim Albert