Construction on South Windsor Skate Park to Begin Soon

With all the talk of adding recreation opportunities, particularly playing fields, in South Windsor, there is one project that is on track to come online by the end of the summer.

The long-discussed skate park is set to begin construction, according to Director of Parks and Recreation Ray Favreau.

Addressing the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday evening, Favreau said that the skate park - which was first proposed in 1998 - will be built in phases, with the first phase set to be completed by August.

The skate park will be constructed at Nevers Road Park in between My Friend’s Place and the upper baseball field, Favreau said. The location is perfect, as it is visible and close to the high school and the police department, Favreau said.

The cost of the first phase will be $95,000.

It’s a project whose time has come, Favreau said.

“We have great, beautiful parks in town,” he said. “We need a place for local skaters to hone their skills and perfect their tricks in a safe environment.”
The arguments for a skate park, which will also be utilized by BMX bike riders, center on equity and safety.

There are fields for kids to play football, baseball, soccer and lacrosse, Favreau said. Why not a place for skateboarders and BMX bike riders?

Equally important is that without a park, skateboarders will find places to board that aren’t as safe or aren’t meant for such activity. The end result can result in injuries and property damage.

“They will find ways to perfect their skills elsewhere,” said Favreau.
The demand is clearly there as well, with 300 kids petitioning for the skate park since 1999.

When it’s fully constructed, the skate park will be about 20,000 square feet and cost a total of about $250,000, Favreau said. It will be made out of concrete. Extensive work went into the design and the kids worked with the town.

Phase I is critical, however, as it will show the public that “it’s a good thing,” Favreau said. If all goes well, the entire project will be completed in three years.

The town plans to hang a sign at the park with recommended safety precautions. Injury risks aren’t a huge concern, Favreau said, as skateboarding results in fewer reported injuries than football, baseball, soccer and basketball.

The commission did not take any action, only to recommend that the plans for the park be submitted to Town Planner Michele Lipe.