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Skaters may have two places to do their tricks in Germantown if county officials can meet a Sept. 30 deadline to spend more than $30,000 on equipment or lose the grant money.

Finding a good location for the skate spot has slowed the process, but proposed locations are in front of the Montgomery County Police 5th District station on Aircraft Drive and Leaman Local Park, near the Germantown Community Center, according to county officials.

Germantown Town Center businesses, including Black Rock Center for the Arts, have complained for years about damage to walkways from skateboarders. Young people suggested a skate park a year ago at a Germantown collaboration meeting, said Catherine Matthews, director of the Upcounty Regional Services Center.

A skate spot features removable equipment unlike a skate park that is permanent, she said.

County Councilman Michael J. Knapp (D-Dist. 2) of Germantown said "one of the biggest issues was where to put them," once the skate spot equipment was purchased.

Matthews has looked into purchasing equipment from American Ramp Company. The company held a demonstration for skateboarders in Adventure Playground in the South Germantown Recreational Park on Aug. 13. Company representatives did not return calls for comment.

Police Capt. Thomas Didone, commander of the 5th District station, requested permission for the skate park to be in the front parking lot of the police station on Aircraft Drive. Eleven parking spaces would be used, he said.

An additional street light and a surveillance camera have been requested outside the station at 20000 Aircraft Drive, he said. Signs urging skaters to use caution will also be added. Leaman Local Park was identified as a secondary location for a skate spot, Matthews said.

The Upcounty Regional Services Center received $65,700 in federal grant money through the Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children, Youth and Family, Matthews said. The gang-prevention grant was used on two week-long basketball camps and a high school internship program, Matthews said. County services centers in Silver Spring and Mid-County, also received portions of the grant, she said. The upcounty center had a year to use the grant.