Spalding Skatepark reopens with new safety netting
May 7—CHAMPAIGN — Spalding Skatepark reopened Monday following the installation of a new safety feature.
The skatepark and the Champaign Central baseball field closed Friday for the installation of safety netting, which park officials said was intended to address "safety concerns of foul balls entering the skatepark."
Champaign Park District Executive Director Sarah Sandquist said the work was not the result of an incident, but rather an effort by the park district to be proactive.
"We knew that there was the potential, and so that could cause a pretty significant injury if a foul ball hit a skatepark participant," she said.
The closures were projected to last through Wednesday, but she said the work was completed sooner than expected, so the reopening was moved up to Monday.
