An obstacle recently emerged amid plans for the long-awaited Atlantic Highlands skateboard park, but the project will continue, according to Borough Administrator Adam Hubeny.

Monmouth County officials have deemed the borough ineligible for a grant it was awarded during 2006 due to the project’s recent relocation, Hubeny said.

Originally slated for an area adjacent to the harbor tennis courts, community outcry led to the park’s move across First Avenue. The governing body decided the skateboard park would be located in the Holly Tree lot early this year.

“We are forging ahead. The mayor and council are committed and don’t want to hold anything up [due to the funds],” Hubeny said.

According to the administrator, the Harbor Commission had budgeted the total $100,000 for the project and will continue the park’s planning with those funds, he said. The borough was previously awarded a $50,000 grant for the park and was prepared to match it, he added.

The borough will file a “pre-application” for a 2008 grant before the project is awarded to a contractor, Hubeny said. However, the award results will not be available until October or November, he said.

If awarded another grant, the money will take the place of the budged money for the skateboard park, Hubeny said.

Currently, the town will go forward with the project with an expected completion date of this summer.

A survey and preliminary assessment report (PAR) should be submitted by the borough engineer during February, he said. A final design plan is anticipated by mid-March, he added.

The council is currently considering expanding the park, due to the larger size of the new site, Hubeny said. Presently, the draft plans include six different pieces, including rails, ramps and a centerpiece. Two or four more pieces may be added, he said.

The grant application’s proposal is anticipated for discussion at the Wednesday, Feb. 27 meeting at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall.

- Alyssa Passeggio