After being open for almost a decade, the skate park in Saluda is closed.

The Saluda Board of Commissioners met Monday and announced that the insurance company closed the park on July 31. Mayor Fred Baisden and commissioners say they are seeking input from the community on what other uses the park could have besides for skaters.

Baisden said a family several years ago built the park and put in equipment, but no maintenance has been done on the park. He said the park doesnt see a lot of local skaters anymore and would like to get ideas of what other uses the park could provide where the area could see more use.

The city has appointed administrative assistant Monica Pace to research grants and to be a point person for seeking and writing grants for the city. Baisden said the city may not be able to get a grant for another type of park this year, but would like to research what money may be available.

The skate park, located at the city owned McCreery Park was started around 2000/2001 by Michael Belleme and his family, who created the Saluda B3 Club. The city approved allowing the skate park at McCreery, but the Saluda B3 Club was to cover additional costs in liability insurance and to meet other insurance requirements. The club was also charged with installing gates and locks and providing supervision initially.