January 27, 2003

Galveston Parks and Recreation Board
by Jim Guidry

Island Skaters Association spokesman William Cram told the Galveston Parks and Recreation Board that Landry's Corporation has offered $25,000 toward construction of a skateboard park at Menard Park.  However, Cram said the gift will be in exchange for "naming rights," and thus has not been accepted.

"We don't want to go down that particular route as of yet," Cram said, explaining that his group is hoping to secure a professional concessionaire to operate the park, that may want the naming rights.

"I really appreciate Landry's Corporation's gesture; I think it is noble," Cram said.  "I think it is a first concern of theirs to develop the beachfront as well as to curtail and target at-risk youth." 

Cram urged the board to go beyond its role as an "advisory" committee and actively seek financial support for the skate park.

Cornelia Harris Banks, the city council's representative on the board, said she will ask City Attorney Susie Green to rule on whether the board can expand its scope beyond providing advice to the city council.

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