It has been a common sight to see skateboarders practicing their sport in front of T-Galaxy, the Welch Avenue Post Office and other businesses in the Campustown area. While skating is a fast-growing pastime for Ames youth, it can be a problem for pedestrians who use the sidewalks outside these businesses.

But the businesses and skaters have not come into dispute with each other over the matter. They have wisely worked out a resolution.

The president of T-Galaxy, Barry Nadler, and others have worked with the skaters to plan a skate park so the skaters will have a place to skate. This is a perfect example of a good compromise.

The skaters helped design the 100-by-50 feet park, which will feature several ramps, bars and fun boxes, and the only thing they need now is a location. The skaters are hoping for a location near Campustown.

The City of Ames ought to help the groups find a location because the skaters are just as much a part of the Campustown environment as anyone else. They cause no harm to anyone, and the skaters say it keeps them from getting into trouble.

Perhaps the city and the university could work something out to provide a space in the block between Hayward Avenue and Sheldon Avenue near College Creek for the skate park.

The park would be run by Ames Skaters Unlimited Inc. as a nonprofit corporation and would cost about $10,000 to build, Nadler said. Skaters would be charged a small admission to help with upkeep and insurance.

The skate park would definitely be a plus for the community, and it’s about time.