(KAIR)--Atchison's skatepark, through an effort by the family of a late, local skateboarder, opened in October 2021; and now, those family members, in conjunction with the Skate High With Hope-The Joshua Kinsman Foundation, are planning stage two for the skatepark, located in Atchison's Reisner Park.

Pamela Cline and Jeremy Watkins, the mother and step-father of the late Joshua Kinsman who died at the age of 17 in 2018, took their plans to the City Commission Monday evening:

The expanded park would provide more room for skateboarders, including younger users, with Hawkins explaining that it was always intended as a three part project, including a skate bowl for round 2.

Cline and Watkins, prior to and following the opening of Atchison Skatepark phase 1, have continued fundraising efforts, which Cline explained following a question from Commissioner Jesse Greenly.

Mayor La Rochelle Murray provided her input, crediting the couple's work as both good for the City and as a fitting tribute to the late Kinsman.

As an outcome of the couple's appearance, City Manager Mark Westhoff suggested a future meeting between them and members of City Staff.

Cline said her goal would be to see ground broken for phase 2 in late summer of 2026, but any actual date remains unfinalized.

Phase 1 of the skatepark was funded through a $75,000 City of Atchison contribution, private donations raised by the Joshua Kinsman Foundation, and $5,000 through the national Skatepark Project, a $5,000 donation that Cline, Monday, said was only available once.

To hear the full report, including comments from Cline and Watkins, go here.