Joseph Bond and skateboarder Dante Gonzalez came to Lima City Council’s Oct. 20 meeting seeking permission to repair and maintain the city skate park and to continue weekly gatherings at the site.

Joseph Bond identified himself and said he and others have organized Sunday sessions to rally youth and keep the park active. Dante Gonzalez told the council the park attracts people from surrounding towns and ages and described the facility as “a sacred safe space” that the group wants to preserve and improve through volunteer maintenance and organized events.

Gonzalez said the group has drafted a plan and circulated an outline by email; he asked council for “permission for us to serve our community by repairing, improving and continually preserving this place.” He described the group’s regular gatherings and ambitions to host future events.

Mayor and council asked that the outline be shared with the parks director. The mayor specifically suggested the group share the outline with “Mr. Stiley, who’s the director of parks” so staff could review the recommendations; Rick Stolle, who delivered the parks report earlier in the meeting, was present and council indicated staff would follow up.

There was no formal vote on the request; councilors expressed appreciation for the volunteers and encouraged coordination with Parks Department staff to determine what volunteer work is permitted on city property and how to proceed.