ZELIENOPLE — The Zelienople Memorial Skate Park is closer to being built, but the work is not over yet.

With approval from the Zelienople council, the skate park commission is moving ahead, pursuing a final design plan and the remaining funds needed to begin construction.

“We just reached out to Grindline for a final design,” said Jeff Barkley, parks board president.

Grindline Skateparks is a Seattle-based design and construction company that has been working with the skate park commission throughout the process.

“We also approved moving the skate park to a new location to facilitate parking and park growth,” said Barkley.

The new location is across from the pool and is set up so that future additions can be made if needed. The move is not expected to inconvenience or alter other park amenities, and the commission has been working with other park groups to avoid any friction.

Once the design is final the committee will still have to bridge a final fundraising gap before construction can begin.

“We have a little funding we still have to raise, about $100,000,” said Barkley. “We’ll have fish fry events in 2018 and 2019. That’s become our popular fundraiser event.”

In addition to fish fries and donations, the skate park has also received grants.

These help significantly to close fundraising gaps, though they also come with deadlines.

“Because we were awarded the DCNR grant in January, we have to utilize it by 2020,” Barkley said. “Right now we’re on track to meet that.

“Ideally, we’d like to start in 2019.”

Additionally, the park received support from the Tony Hawk Foundation, an organization founded by internationally renowned skateboarder Tony Hawk. It has helped the skate park commission with guidance and in applying for grants.

Barkley encouraged anyone who wants to get involved in helping the park become a reality to visit www.myzeliepark.org for more information.

“The biggest thing we need right now is if there are people who want to donate and help make the dream come true,” said Barkley.

The schedule for construction depends on how quickly the funds can be raised and how the construction is planned. In recent meetings, Barkley urged a single pour construction, as pouring the concrete in phases can lead to uneven surfaces and warping.