Could boxing legend Larry Holmes provide inspiration for the Lehigh Valley’s newest skatepark?

Would a skatepark featuring a bowl in the shape of a boxing glove in homage to Easton-area world heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes draw regional interest?

That was one of the ideas last week during the first design meeting for a proposed skatepark near downtown Easton.

Organizers in October presented a plan to City Council to build the cement-and-steel park on land along Lehigh Drive next to the Lehigh River. Its timeline and financing remain uncertain, but the flow of ideas during the hourlong meeting offered skateboarders, roller skaters, BMX riders and others hope things will start moving forward.

Skatepark builder Jesse Clayton, who owns 5th Pocket Skateparks in lower Bucks County, led the discussion in front of City Council members at City Hall. He handed out worksheets to the audience of about 30 people, letting them choose their top five park obstacles, and one of several sample park layouts.

“It’s more about trying to look at the data and finding patterns,” Clayton said, “and try to really analyze what the community wants.”

Besides requests for such obstacles as ledges, rails, and the suggested Holmes boxing-glove bowl with coping used for sliding and balancing tricks, those who spoke seemed to want the park to be a sort of monument to Easton.

One person suggested highlighting Easton’s historical attributes, including the nearby canal, railroads and two rivers. One man mentioned park features that would show off the city’s neighborhoods.

Mayor Sal Panto Jr. noted that including custom designs would likely add to the price, which has been estimated to run around $500,000. The city hopes to tap into its recreational fund to offset the cost but will need organizers to pursue donors, sponsors or fundraisers, the mayor said.

“When I get complaints from people about building a skatepark, I say, ‘We put $100,000 into the pools,’ ” Panto said, referring to the city’s Eddyside and Heil swimming facilities. “Not everybody uses the pools. We feel we should have something for all likes — not just swimming but also for skateboarding.”

Downtown business owner Clay Mitman was enthused at the concept, particularly with the thought of a cutting-edge park that would attract skaters and other wheel-rolling enthusiasts from beyond Easton.

While the city has been rebranding itself as a destination for its restaurants, specialty merchants and a wave of new residents moving downtown, the skatepark could dovetail off the city’s recreational offerings such as its portion of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Mitman said.

“I see this as one of the best things for recreational funds for downtown,” Mitman said. “To see this be a location that people want to come to and to come to Easton, I just think this is so exciting. The business community thinks it’s exciting. It’s not just another park but a park that is a destination for people.”

What’s next

The city plans to showcase its portable, wooden skateboard platform at events during the next several months as a way to generate interest in the permanent skatepark, according to Panto. The city will also include more information on its website and social media, he said.

In addition, Melody Rogers, president of the South Side Civic Association, said there will be a skateboard demonstration Aug. 6 at Cheston/Pioneer Park on Lincoln and Milton streets during the group’s National Night Out celebration. The association has more information on its Facebook page.

For more information, including how you can help with the park, contact the mayor’s office at 610-250-6610, or send email to local organizers Bill McWilliams at billmcw@alumni.fdu.edu or Jake Baldini at jakebaldini@yahoo.com .

Morning Call reporter Anthony Salamone can be reached at asalamone@mcall.com .