The debate over the potential location for a proposed skate park in Lehighton continues to wage on.

Borough council on Monday heard an update on fundraising for the skate park, which has been targeted for Skyline Park along North Third Street.Josh and Jennifer Schaeffer, on behalf of On the Grind Association, told council the group has been picking up community support along the way.However, borough Mayor Tom Mase said there are people within the community, particularly those in the vicinity of Skyline Park, who are opposed to the creation of a skate park at that location."I do not think myself that Skyline Park is the place for a skate park," Mase said.Mase said he has nothing against the skate park, but rather its proposed location, and cited parking and drainage concerns.Councilman Jared McEvoy said he believes Baer Memorial would be a better location than Skyline Park for a skate park.Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said, "Really at this point, you have the Grove, and that's not feasible."Josh Schaeffer said that sizewise, Skyline Park would be perfect for a skate park.After more discussion, council agreed that Schaeffer should meet with borough engineer Bruce Steigerwalt to further discuss the matter.In December, council agreed to authorize On the Grind Association to pursue grants and fundraisers in coordination with Beckett for a skate park at Skyline Park.Then, in January, resident Chris Nothstein, who lives at 500 N. Third St., near the playground, said he doesn't believe Skyline Park is the proper fit for a proposed skate park because the playground isn't big enough to accommodate it.Inadequate parking, the policing of a skate park, and affecting the playground's versatility by turning the playground into a skate park, were among the other concerns Nothstein mentioned.Josh Schaeffer previously said his group would handle getting the grants, and that the skate park would be a concrete park.He said skateboarding is a fast-growing sport, and that a skate park would provide a place for kids to go.The park would be open year-round, but would be closed at night, Josh Schaeffer said.He said his first option was the Grove, but Beckett steered the group to Skyline Park.Beckett said there is not enough space at the Grove for a skate park unless the borough were to go into the adjoining empty lot.She suggested Skyline Park, which is a small playground located at the end of North Third Street.Beckett said the borough has a $40,000 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant for a master site plan for the Grove, as well as a new recreation center feasibility study. If a new recreation center were to be built, it would most likely be located at the adjoining parcel, she said.