The Flint and Steel Coalition is moving forward with several big projects.

The group’s aim is to create numerous youth activities throughout Mineola, and at last week’s meeting members approved applying to the Meredith Foundation for the construction of a concrete skate park.

The current park, at Front and Stone Streets, is constructed of wood. A concrete park would be more permanent, resulting in fewer repairs and having to replace the various ramps.

The park would also get a new name – Iron Horse Skate Park – which reflects the goal to extend the current Iron Horse Park facilities to the east.

The train theme is carried out in the design of the park.

Initial estimates of the park’s cost, at $588,000, led the coalition to look at trying to secure funds for a first phase of the park, with the rest to be built later.

Also on the drawing board is a BMX bicycle “pump” track at property nearby, just to the east of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, which also owns the property on which the skate park resides.

The project is still in its initial stages.

Another project that has kicked off is the community mural project.

The location for the mural, which will be a collaborative effort among youth of the county, has been designated as the north facing wall of the building owned by Ricky Ramirez, on the west side of S. Pacific, just south of Front St.

The project has meetings scheduled Jan. 20, Feb. 10 and March 3 at Cowburners BBQ in Mineola and is open to youth ages 13-25. There is no cost to participate.

An acclaimed muralist from Miami, Fla., Luis Valle, will be helping coordinate the project, which will be implemented in May.