Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

SKATEBOARD PARK

Funding still short

By Keith Edwards kedwards@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA -- Organizers expect to break ground for a new skateboard park this month, but before skaters take to the concrete, they've got to hit the pavement to raise some more money first.

Despite a weak economy that hampered fundraising, the first phase of the privately funded proposed park is close to reality, but remains roughly $20,000 short of what's needed to make it happen.

The budget for the first phase is about $70,000.

"It's going to take a little bit more from everyone to pull this off," said Toebee Parkhurst, an Augusta resident, professional skateboarder, and leader of efforts to build a concrete skatepark in Williams Park. "We'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. We are very close, and at this point every dollar or piece of rebar will help us get there."

Augusta has a skatepark off Gage Street. But Parkhurst and other skaters have said the park's wooden ramps, jumps and other obstacles are worn and outdated. The Gage Street spot is also relatively secluded, where the Williams Park site, just off Bangor Street and alongside basketball courts and playground equipment, will be a highly visible, safer spot for skateboarders, Parkhurst said.

The old park's wooden obstacles also wear out, while the new park will be made of more durable concrete.

"We need a new park because, in the 15-plus years Gage Street has been there, a lot has changed," Parkhurst said.

The first phase of the park will be "plaza" style, Parkhurst said, mimicking obstacles skaters might find in an urban environment -- flat concrete mixed in with drops, stairs, rails, benches and other obstacles. The park also includes extensive greenery, with sections of lawn between the concrete areas, as well as other landscaping in and around the park.

Parkhurst noted families with a skateboarder can all come to the park together, with the playground for young children, basketball courts for nonskaters, and benches where parents can sit and watch.

Or, for that matter, parents could jump on a board themselves.

"People of my generation -- I'm 31 -- are having kids and skating with them," Parkhurst said. "Tony Hawk is in his 40s; he'll never stop skating. Parents can come here and either just hang out or come skate with the kids."

He hopes potential donors will see the benefits of the park and donate to the second phase of its construction, which will include bowls and ledges.

Overall, the Augusta Skatepark Committee is looking to come up with about $187,000 to create a 15,000-square-foot skatepark once all phases are done.

The city is providing a corner of Williams Park for the skatepark. All attractions at the park will remain in place. The city is also doing the site work for the project, though it is charging for its costs.

Parkhurst said several $2,000 to $3,000 donations come in, but most contributions to the project so far have been smaller amounts from individuals, often parents of skaters.

The project will also used donated or reduced-price labor and materials. All the permits have been issued for the project, according to Parkhurst.

He expects the city will break ground in a couple of weeks, after which volunteers, local contractors and a skatepark company will pour the concrete.

The park was designed by Parkhurst, with the help of Breaking Ground Skateparks and input from local skaters.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com