Durham asking for input on Wheels Fun Park site's future

Durham leaders want to hear from residents about the future of the Wheels Fun Park site.

The project will be called Splash and Play, and at 6:30 Thursday night, city leaders are providing another opportunity for public input.

Youth advocates want to ensure this east Durham location is designed to serve the people living there.

Freddie McNeil founded SIDEKICKS Academy, teaching leadership skills and discipline. He said a gathering place for children is vital.

"I don’t think sometimes some of the kids have what they need," McNeil said. "They need somewhere where it’s a positive atmosphere, a positive environment. And also, it’s great for mental health."

McNeil also hopes to see education and mentorship activities at the site.

Sherard Johnson is the president of the local non-profit Ron N Shoot RNS Sports, Inc. Johnson said providing safe activities for young people has lasting effects.

"Right now, a lot of the crime is happening at night, and so, if the youth could have a place where they could come feel safe, not only I think the crime would reduce, but you’d see a lot of great things starting to happen moving forward in the city of Durham," said Johnson.

Johnson believes space for mentorship can be part of the plan.

"If we can show the kids and show the youth that we want to invest in them, they’ll go in the right direction," he said.

Members of the Bull City roller Derby Team have led the charge to preserve the roller rink on the site, which holds deep history for the community.

The city’s three initial concepts all include that building. Each plan is slightly different, but all also have recreation pools big enough for swim lessons and therapy programs.

Thursday night’s community conversation begins at 6:30. It will be held at the Holton Career and Resource Center on North Driver Street.