The deteriorating and seemingly abandoned skate park located on Lerchenmiller Drive and Smith Lane will more than likely soon be removed by the Borough of Northampton.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko confirmed last Friday public works crews will remove the wooden ramps and debris.

"We would have already done so, but grass cutting and other work was taking place," Zarayko said.

Mayor Thomas Reenock, who visited the skate park last Friday, shook his head in disbelief after learning the skate park has fallen into terrible disrepair.

Reennok picked up sharp pieces of metal, which he said, could cause injury. He also said he was concerned with large holes in the wooden plywood on the ramps and other places.

Reenock, a strong advocate for the skate park, was seen often at the site talking to the youth and their parents, informing them when possible construction might begin on the larger ramps and stations, including concrete mounds. He said safety is a major concern and must be observed.

When walking around the site, Reenock observed the expansion of the skate park toward nearby Hokendauqua Creek, where anglers can be found fishing for trout.

Zarayko said the borough has been monitoring the condition of the skate park. The park was not only used by those on skateboards but also bicyclists.

Reenock said the skate park has been on the present site for 10 years. Before that time, it was located at Canal Park, where residents complained of the behavior of the youth.

Parents and others came to a borough council meeting some years back lobbying for the present grounds, of which they helped to build and supervise. The adults and youth spent their own funds in creating the skate park.

Reenock said some of the adults and youth have moved on. Generally, the young people caused very little problems.

Borough officials said the deteriorated nature of the park has been ongoing. The future of the facility remains clouded, however.

Unfortunately, even with beautiful weather last weekend, the park was vacant.