Kids may get their skate park Milltown council to discuss issue at Monday’s meeting

Kids may get their skate park
Milltown council
to discuss issue at Monday’s meeting

MILLTOWN — Borough Council members have agreed to investigate the possibility of constructing a skate park in town.

During its Nov. 13 agenda meeting, the council passed a motion to look into construction and insurance costs.

Council members will bring the matter up for public discussion at Monday night’s meeting.

"Obviously, cost is a big issue, especially with regard to insurance," said Councilman Mike Skarzynski. "But the kids really want this, and if it’s feasible for us to do, we’ll try our best to find a way."

Serious interest in constructing a skate park came a few months ago when 9-year-old resident Ricky Snell wrote a letter to council members asking that they consider the idea.

In the letter, he explained how he had used his father’s power tools to build his own ramps for neighborhood kids so that they’d have a safe and fun place to go.

Ricky’s mom, Kathy, confirmed that between 30 and 40 children use those ramps daily.

"We needed to think of some way to entertain ourselves," Ricky wrote.

Skate parks are popping up in more and more communities throughout New Jersey, as local officials and organizations are realizing they can’t put a price on safety.

"Kids love to skate and they’re going to do it wherever they can. So why not offer them this positive and safe environment, a facility that teens will find cool," said Richard Pollack, CEO of the Community YMCA, Red Bank, in a recent statement.

In October, the borough’s Community YMCA approved construction of a 15,000-square-foot skate park on its property.

Cost for the Red Bank project is expected to reach approximately $275,000. This price includes lighting and rest-room facilities.

About $75,000 of this money will come by way of a grant from the state’s special legislative fund, sometimes referred to as the "Christmas Tree Fund."

Insurance coverage for skaters is a separate cost.

"One resident volunteered to gather information for us, which we are extremely grateful for," said Skarzynski. "Hopefully this is something we can do."

Monday night’s council meeting starts at 8 p.m.