Vote often: Silverton Skatepark needs support to win Pepsi Refresh grant

By Dixon Bledsoe

It’s time to cast your vote again. This time, it’s not for a candidate. Instead, it’s for the Silverton Community Skatepark project.

And, this time you can vote over and over and over again because for this competition, that’s the only way to win.

On Nov. 30, the Silverton Community Skatepark project fundraising committee showcased its video for the Pepsi Refresh Project grant submission. The project receiving the most votes online in December can win a grant.

Each month, Pepsi Co., accepts 1,000 ideas from individuals, businesses, and non-profits to compete for funding that will help make a positive impact in their community. Voting is done on-line at www.refresheverything.com, and awards are granted each month ranging from $5,000 to $250,000.

Silverton City Councilor Judy Schmidt, who is on the fundraising team, said the Silverton Skatepark “Refresh Project” team is asking for a grant of $50,000.

There is money available is because Pepsi decided to forgo Super Bowl advertising this year and use the savings to help communities across the country fund worthy projects in six categories – Health, Arts and Culture, Food and Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods, and Education.

Silverton resident Scott Klum designed a video that promotes the idea for the skatepark, which was rated as the second most-desired project for Silverton in a recent community survey.

According to the fundraising team’s grant request, which was written by Jamie Jonk, “Skateparks support vibrant, healthy communities and provides another safer and challenging venue for skaters and bikers to hone their skills and get lots of exercise. A well-designed skatepark attracts skating tourists, spectators, and enthusiasts and can add to the overall economic vitality of the Silverton area.”

Steve Kay, one of the leaders of the fundraising committee and the city’s development director, is passionate about the skatepark and what it can add to the community.

“This is one of the first grants we intend to go after. These efforts independently set us up well for larger grants in the future, since the project’s total cost is $1 million. We intend to vie for a $250,000 grant from the state of Oregon,” Kay said. “This $50,000, if we are successful, will cover engineering costs, which is a great start.”

Kay said Silverton could win the Pepsi Refresh grant if people vote in huge numbers.

“It helps double our awareness campaign as we hope to generate help through private donations. It is a great kickoff,” Kay said.

The Skatepark Project includes a 13,000 square foot skatepark, a playground, picnic/gathering area, restrooms, and a paved plaza.

“The city has stepped up and donated the land for the project which is adjacent to the new Silverton Senior Center on Westfield Street,” Schmidt said.

“The design for the park was completed in October by Grindline with hopes on raising funds to begin construction in the fall of 2011.”