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Date: 9/15/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – After much anticipation, Cooks Skate Park, located at 471-505 Amostown Rd., is officially open to the public.
Construction of the skate park began in June and took about two months to complete. Berkshire Design Group in Northampton created the entire design of the concrete skate park. Rampage Skate Shop and Skatepark, located in Bridgeport, CT, was responsible for all of the construction on site.
On Sept. 8, a grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony took place. Victoria Connor, director of West Springfield’s Park and Recreation Department, led the celebration by recognizing the members of the Park and Rec for their work on this project, along with several others.
Those in attendance included Mayor William Reichelt, Fire Chief Bill Flaherty, along with a handful of the Park and Recreation Department staff, and more.
“On behalf of the Park and Rec Commission, the staff, myself; I want to welcome you and thank the community for their support, along with Mayor Reichelt for his continued support,” said Connor.
Reichelt followed by thanking Connor for all the work she’s done on this project, along with former Senator Jim Welch, who wanted to see the skatepark upgraded before his term ended in 2020. The Mayor also thanked state Rep. Mike Finn for obtaining the proper earmarks and funding necessary. “There’s always projects that the money can be spent on,” said Reichelt.
Although the skate park “officially” opened once the ribbon was cut, Reichelt took notice of the use that the park has already seen over the past couple of weeks. Himself, Connor and the Park and Recreation Department look forward to its continued use and prosperity in the future.