KENNESAW - The city of Kennesaw has filed suit against the owner of Swift Wheels Skate Shop, demanding $25,000 that was pledged for a temporary skateboard ramp.

June Wick, the owner of Swift Wheels, responded in Cobb Superior Court on Jan. 11 that she needs more time to hire an attorney.

The city argues in the civil suit that Wick signed an unsecured pledge agreement on Oct. 29, 2008, stating that she would give the city $25,000, in two payments, "for the costs associated with the installation of a temporary skate ramp facility located at Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw."

The first payment, of $10,000, was to be made by March 31, 2009, and the second payment, of $15,000, was to be made on Sept. 30, 2009, according to the agreement. The agreement also states that in the event of default or breach, "Maker promises to pay fees and court costs, whether judgment is rendered or not."

Randall Bentley, the city's attorney who practices in his family's firm - Bentley, Bentley and Bentley - said the city built the temporary ramp that now stands at Swift Cantrell Park based on Wick's pledge. The park is on Old Highway 41 near Jiles Road.

The temporary ramp opened for public use on Nov. 1, 2008.

Wick said that she alerted the city's finance director, Gina Auld, and other city officials as soon as she realized she would not be able to make the payments.

"I was under the impression that as long as I worked with them, it would be all right," she said. "I had every intention of paying when the economy gets better."

She also said she had been helping the city in other ways, such as by donating prizes for various city-sponsored events. She estimated she had spent $8,000 on such materials, and questioned why the city is pursuing litigation against her small business.

"If they get what they are asking for, it will put me out of business and may force me in to bankruptcy," Wick said.

Bentley said the city is willing to negotiate with Wick.

"I'm always willing to talk any kind of resolution," he said.

A skate park committee has raised more than $30,000 for a permanent skateboarding park inside Swift Cantrell. Initial plans were for a $1.5 million park, and there have been talks for the city and the county to assist with financing, though with the economic downturn, that has been put on hold.