Granite County commissioners on May 20 approved a $5,000 donation from county park funds to the Phillipsburg Skatepark Association to pay for picnic tables, benches and shade structures.

Ruby Kickert, chair of the Phillipsburg Skatepark Association, told the commissioners the group has raised most of the $300,000 estimated cost to build the skatepark and still needs local money for amenities. “We have the skatepark almost fully funded. We're short $3,000 of our $300,000 goal,” Kickert said.

The donation will be taken from the county’s parks fund and the commissioners discussed reserving remaining funds for other countywide projects. Kickert said many of the construction grants the group received restrict spending to the park’s concrete work and do not allow purchase of picnic tables, benches or shade; she asked the county to help cover those accessory items.

Commissioners moved and approved the $5,000 transfer during the meeting; the group will submit a claim through the county clerk to receive the funds. Kickert said the town will assume maintenance and upkeep of the park after construction is complete.

The county finance official noted roughly $12,000 remains in the parks fund but recommended retaining some balance for future countywide needs. Commissioners and Kickert also discussed donor recognition and signage acknowledging “Granite County” if the county funds are used.

The money is intended to buy commercial-grade picnic tables and sunshades and to provide at least one accessible table on a concrete pad. The association said two pending grant applications could cover the association’s remaining $3,000 shortfall for construction costs.

The county clerk will process the claim so the association can order the items when the payment is available.