A half-pipe dream to become reality June 23
Long-discussed So. Bruns. skate park ready for debut
BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer

CHRIS GAETANO South Brunswick's brand new skate park will officially open this month.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - The township has finished construction on what could arguably be seen as its most X-treme municipal project to date.

The new skate park, located behind the municipal building on Ridge Road, is pretty much complete and will have its grand opening June 23.

"The paving is done, the components inside are installed, fencing is installed; we [still] need to do the striping and a few landscape things," said Department of Public Works Director Ray Olsen.

According to Parks and Recreation Director Tom Morris, the use of the facility will be free of charge, but skaters will have to register with the township, using forms found at either the recreation or township clerk's offices. Those who register will receive a sticker to go on their helmets. Park rangers will perform periodic drive-bys of the park to make sure people are wearing the sticker, as well as using safety equipment. He further stated that as time goes on, there might be beginners' skateboarding lessons to generate more interest in the park.

The facility will be available to those 7 and older, though those under 12 will need an adult to accompany them. Non-inline skates, scooters or motorized vehicles will not be allowed, nor will smoking, drinking or food. Helmets, elbow and knee pads will be mandatory.

Skate park proposals had appeared before the township in the past, but previous attempts had fizzled before work could begin. A Township Council meeting in September, however, saw residents Joanne Moore and Karen and Sal Fidacaro present a 227-signature petition, supported mostly by local teens, demonstrating a strong demand for a skate park to be built. Local youths had expressed frustration that they often needed to go to Edison, Sayreville or Morristown to skateboard and wanted something closer. The council agreed with this sentiment, and the project formally started that night.

The township then worked with local skateboarders to come up with a design for the sort of park that they would want. According to Councilman Joseph Camarota, who serves on the recreation board, they went through about six different ideas before finally settling on the current layout. The park cost about $120,000, which came from the township's open space fund.

The opening day, starting at 10 a.m., will have refreshments, music and games. Morris said he is working on securing performance exhibitions for that day as well.