Zionville Ramp Company, a local skate park situated on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is actively recovering after its camp van was struck by an impaired driver in mid-July. The incident caused substantial damage to the facility's offices and camp rooms, though the indoor skate park itself remained intact.
Ashley Galleher, owner of ZRC Skate, recounted her initial disbelief upon receiving the news of the crash. She expressed the pain felt when "someone takes bad decisions and affects innocent people." The accident immediately altered ZRC Skate's operations for the remainder of the summer, leading to the cancellation of overnight camps and other summer programs due to the affected camp room.
Galleher emphasized that her greatest satisfaction in running ZRC Skate comes from its ability to give back to the community through various camps and events. She noted that the accident forced the company to step back and focus on recovery. Beyond the economic and financial impact, Galleher deeply regretted missing the summer camp experience with the children who had anticipated it all year.
In addition to the canceled summer camps, ZRC Skate also had to postpone a long-term project: transforming part of its facility into a bed and breakfast accommodation. This planned lodging was designed to host skaters, couples, and families, offering them access to the facilities and sessions. Galleher had been working on this project for a year and a half before the crash. Currently, due to the structural damage, Galleher no longer feels comfortable hosting large groups and cannot plan further events or camps.
Despite the immediate setbacks, Galleher views the incident as an opportunity to teach her campers. She aims to use it as a moment to instruct them on making responsible decisions, highlighting that choices have consequences that extend beyond the individual. She observed that children, in particular, tend to grasp this lesson better than adults.
The accident also opened Galleher's eyes to the strength of community support for her business, helping her to accept assistance she was initially reluctant to seek. She realized that if the community wished to help, it would. She noted that many individuals contributing a small amount significantly aided her recovery efforts, allowing her to pay for a structural engineer and a contractor for temporary repairs out of pocket.
ZRC Skate anticipates making rapid progress on repairs, aiming for completion within approximately two months, with a target date of October 31 for being fully operational again. Looking ahead, Galleher plans to implement additional precautions to prevent a similar incident. While she considers the crash a rare occurrence, she noted that frightening events prompt the brain to consider their potential recurrence. Therefore, new concrete walls will be installed outside the building to shield against future impacts from drivers.
Galleher expressed profound gratitude, stating that without the community's help, recovery from the incident would have been impossible. She extended thanks for the support and expressions of care from various communities, including Appalachian State University, Boone, Watauga County, and even individuals from Hickory, as well as those who have skated at the facility. This widespread support, she affirmed, means a great deal.
