July 11, 2023 |
Photo – Rawlins Skate Park – Courtesy Rawlins Parks and Rec Dept
The City of Rawlins will honor the former resident who helped make the city’s skatepark a reality.
In a press release issued Monday, city officials say the recently completed skate park will be named in honor of Joshua “JR” Rodriguez. At the October 4th, 2022, city council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Jason Sehon said some of the council members had asked him to name the facility after the young Rodriguez. Sehon said in the late 1990’s, Rodriguez had petitioned the city to create a space specifically for extreme sports enthusiasts.
At that October 4th meeting, Sehon said Rodriguez, and other skateboarders, met with city officials about the creation of a skate park. The parks and rec director said he would speak to City Manager Sean Metcalf, then in office, to formally name the park after Rodriguez.
Joshua “JR” Rodriguez was born in 1984. According to his obituary, Rodriguez passed away on September 16th, 2012, during a house fire. The fire was caused by electrical wiring. Rodriguez, along with his girlfriend and her son, died in the blaze.
Speaking at the October 4th city council meeting, Councilwoman Jacquelin Wells said she knew Rodriguez. Councilwoman Wells said she had ordered a memorial to be installed at the skatepark with the names of deceased skateboarders.
Councilwoman Wells said the plaque would have space for additional names if necessary.
Mayor Terry Weickum said Rodriguez worked for him in the past. Mayor Weickum said he personally felt that Rodriguez should be honored by naming the skatepark after him.
Mayor Weickum said the skatepark name dedication would need to be made as an official motion at the next city council meeting. At the October 18th meeting, then Vice Mayor Wells motioned to name the skatepark after Rodriguez. An emotional Mayor Weickum asked the council to vote on the motion.
While he waited for the voting to occur, Mayor Weickum said he had known Rodriguez for a long time. The mayor said he felt like Rodriquez was almost one of his children. Mayor Weickum said he would invite Rodriquez’s family to the future dedication ceremony.
The motion passed with every member voting yes, except for Councilman Darril Garner, who abstained. Councilman Garner said he abstained because he helped raise money for the skatepark and felt that his close relationship to Rodgriguez might have the appearance of favoritism, a violation of the city’s code of ethics.
The city will dedicate the Joshua “JR” Rodriguez Memorial Skatepark this Saturday, July 15th, at 10:00 am. The skating facility, located in Key Club Park at 800 Colorado Street, includes ramps and rails and is open to all non-motorized skateboards, bicycles, skates, and scooters.
