Despite some lingering concern that the skateboarding culture will bring "danger to the neighborhood," Hales' office maintains the position that Portland needs a place for skateboarders to congregate, and, more importantly, skate. "There are still a lot of people who have concerns about the park," said Hales' assistant Mark Zolton. "Community members are concerned about how we're going to operate it; crime, graffiti. There are a lot of people in that neighborhood who haven't been exposed to skateboarding culture and a whole host of urban issues to consider." At the same time, explains Zolton, some business owners admit that the park could attract people who might spend money at their businesses.
But the real obstacle for Hales, right now, is money. "We estimate the park will cost between 700 and 900 thousand dollars, and we plan to raise that through both public and private donations, but mostly private," said Zolton. Where, specifically, does Hales plan on finding that much money in private donations? Corporate America. "We're going to talk to a lot of sportswear companies, people who might have a stake in recreation for kids," said Zolton. "But we're also going to make a lot of grassroots efforts," he added. "We're going to try to raise up to 100,000 elsewhere." Hales' office anticipates it will take them six months to a year to raise the entire sum, though they hope to start building as soon as possible.
