Skateboard park gets closer to reality

Date: 8/8/2012

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — It only took the better part of 20 years, but skateboard enthusiasts should have a park to call their own in Holyoke.

Parks & Recreation Director Terry Sheppard explained to Reminder Publications the city is now waiting to hear from state officials about the award of a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Community Grant. The grant application was submitted in July for the $250,000 project.

Sheppard said the city is hoping to go out to bid for the park in September.

She said the idea of a skateboard park originated during the administration of Mayor Daniel Szostkiewicz in the mid-1990s. The idea passed onto Mayor Michael Sullivan and Mayor Elaine Pluta, both who supported it.

Sheppard said the delay was caused in part by the issue of liability. Ultimately, it was decided the skateboard park would have no more liability than any other city park property, all of which are deemed "use at your own risk."

The location was also a factor and Sheppard said there were two areas considered: Pulaski Park and the H.B. Lawrence School playground. The Pulaski Park site was finally designated.

The design is not yet final and Sheppard said there would be public hearings in the future to elicit input.

Skateboarders have long used City Hall as a location, Sheppard noted.

She added the Holyoke Boys & Girls Club have offered to informally assist with programming for the new park and long-term maintenance.