There's no doubt skateboarding is here to stay in Cherokee County.

It's nothing to see dozens of local youths toting helmets and skateboards in their quest to perform new tricks and most importantly have fun.

A few years ago, the City of Gaffney built a skateboard complex at Irene Park for the use of those adopting the blossoming pastime. The park has been a godsend for the municipality, reducing the risk of damage to property by riders and concerns for their safety.

Though the skate park has done wonders for local skateboarders, Blacksburg resident Tina Reed believes a similar complex should be available to youths of the "Iron City."

"It's place for them to skateboard legally, a place for them to go and not get hurt," Reed said. "But a lot our town's children do not have the means to go to Gaffney and its skate park."

Reed, whose own child is an avid skateboarder, proposed to Blacksburg officials at a recent meeting that the town take advantage of land left unused at a municipallyowned park.

"There is no equipment there, and it is never used so I think would be a nice thing," Reed said.

This is not the first time such a plan has been presented to Blacksburg Town Council. According to Mayor David Hogue, the municipality gave serious consideration to building a complex to provide a safe haven for area skateboarders away from homes, businesses, pedestrians and most importantly fast-moving vehicles.

"For a while, it was scary because skateboarders would be places and had to dodge people at the last minute," Hogue said. "We had to place regulations to make sure no one got hurt."

The initial skate park proposal was turned down by the town because of financial concerns. However, that doesn't mean Hogue has forgotten about the issue, wanting to provide recreational opportunities for the town's younger residents.

"There are parts that would have to be ironed out, but I think it would be nice for the town," Hogue said. "We've made a lot of strides for our town's youths and I believe that would be another step in the right direction."

Council members opted to let Reed head up a committee gauging support for such a project.

In addition to discussions over a skate park, the governing body approved a $7,000 revolving loan to Shelby, N.C., businessman Willie Anthony, who plans to open a restaurant specializing in wings, chicken and fish on Cherokee Street.

"I see this town is growing, and in all honesty I want to be part of that growth," Anthony said.

The funds come from a grant received by the municipality several years ago to assist businesses in opening a new facility or expanding an existing property.

"There has not been a good repayment record when it comes to these types of loans here," Hogue said. "But we always think if you're good to us, we'll be good to you. I think you bring a good idea and your business would be good for this town."