In-line skater Ryan Smerker preforms a trick on the ramps at the YMCA Skate Park in Upper Hanover Township. The park ins currently undergoing a makeover which includes replacement of some of the skating surfaces.

                It wasn’t a place the neighbors were proud of.

                Teens would urinate over the fence, loudly use profanity, litter and vandalize the property.  Upper Perk Police were becoming frequent visitors to the Xtreme Skate Park inside Kistler-Bitting Park, Upper Hanover Township.

                “People in the community and here at the Y begged me to shut it down,” said Upper Perkiomen Valley YMCA branch director Michael Tannous.  “It [the skate park] was just a nightmare.

                “And after 10 years, it needed a lot of work.” 

                But all that has changed.  Now the park, known around the community as a place to avoid, is looking to become a local attraction.

                Under Tannous, who previously worked with local teens as pastor of Red Hill-based Community Bible Fellowship Church, the park is undergoing a makeover.  The 12,000-sq.ft., professionally-designed space got a thorough cleaning.  It also sports new fencing and railings. 

                The skate park office, which had unfinished walls with exposed wiring, now has finished walls and a fresh coat of paint.  The space also boasts air conditioning and the mini kitchen, where drinks and snacks are sold, has a toaster oven and microwave.

                But, for all the serious skateboarders and in-line skaters, the equipment is what matters most.  The YMCA will soon be replacing about 20 damaged boards on ramps with new Skate-Lite Pro boards.  They are pursuing two different grants, one through a private foundation and another through electronics chain Best Buy, to fund the pricey repairs.

                Several ramps, including the quarter pipes and half pipes, will also have new plywood installed on their walls.  In all, thousands of dollars are being invested in the park’s makeover. 

                Tannous also has his sights set on the park’s clientele.  Last year, his first with the organization, he started “Free Wednesdays” where skaters can use the park for free as long as they stay for a half-hour lesson on one of the Y’s four character values—caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

                “We teach the kids to respect their parents, property and other people’s time, among other things,” Tannous said.  “This is classic, good Y work to me…the Y has the undercurrent of caring for the whole person.  This is reaching a segment of the population that’s hard to reach.”

                Tannous noted that the skate park is locked and supervised by an adult at all times when it is open.  There is no minimum age to be admitted, but everyone must be respectful or the Y will close down the facilities.

                Last year the skate park and adjacent basketball courts were closed several times due to destructive behavior, but this year they have only closed their doors twice. 

                “We shut it down to say ‘You have to respect the property; we’re watching this place,’” Tannous said.  “But the park has stayed clean.  The neighbors and the police have said ‘Thank you; what a difference.’”

                District Justice Catherine Hummel-Fried of Red Hill regularly sends individuals sentenced to community service to the Y’s facilities at the park.  Upper Perk Police were given 50 passes for free admission to the skate park and were asked to hand them out freely.

                Tannous said his mission is to have the park used regularly.

                “We want kids to come to our park,” he said.  “We are very excited to be meeting a community need.  That’s why the park was given to the Y, to give the people of the community something to do.  We are your community Y and we care about community in a broader way than just being a swim and gym.”

                The Y will be holding skateboarding camps for skaters ages 8 and up who want to learn or reinforce basic skills or learn new tricks from 9 a.m. until 12 noon June 21-25, July 19-23 and August 9-13 at the skate park.  The camps will be taught by veteran skateboarder Justin Smith.  The cost is $65 for full members and $80 for program members.

                Clinics will also be held on Mondays and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. at the park all summer for a small fee.

                For more information, visit the annex at 476 Pottstown Avenue in Pennsburg, or call (215)679-9622.