AMERICAN FALLS — The sound of laughter and rolling skateboards moved closer to reality this month when city of American Falls workers broke ground on the city’s skate park. Work on the  park will continue throughout the summer.

    As part of the city’s match for the construction of the skate park, a 15-foot-by-70-foot concrete pad was constructed between the current park and playground at Lee Street Park.

    A water line was constructed to the concrete pad for a future water fountain. The holes left in the pad are for a future fence and monument to thank all donors for their help in raising the needed matching funds.

    Bids for the skate park were opened last week and brought before the City Council. The lowest bid proposed for the construction of the skate park was awarded to Spohn Ranch in the amount of $90,000.

    Council member Norm Wright said during the meeting that he hopes youth in the community will attend the open forums to discuss the skate park so they can have a say in how the park is built.

    Mayor Marc Beitia said there has to be a certain design with specific conditions for the skate park, but he wants to get as much input as they can from the public.

    “I want us (the city) to get the best park for the amount of money available,” he said.

    Beitia did not want to put a deadline on the construction of the park, but said he hopes it will be completed by August.

    Also on the agenda for the city of American Falls is its work toward downtown revitalization.

    A bid was awarded to Mickelsen Construction of Blackfoot for the installation of large boulders in the downtown area to add contrast to the landscaping aspect. The unit price per ton will be $44.50.

    The boulders will range in size and shape to allow for seating and protection for business store fronts.

    Beitia said the idea stems from the citizen’s committee’s thoughts on having a river theme for the downtown area with native grasses, shrubs and the flat rocks for seating.

    “The grasses should give a feeling of flowing water when the wind blows,” Beitia explained.