Skate Park Soft Opening Celebrated On Wheels

By Nancy K. Crevier

The blustery morning breeze Saturday, November 20, did not chill the spirits of the nearly three dozen skateboarders and BMX bicycle riders present for the soft opening of the Newtown Skate Park. Sixteen-year-old Jake Buonocore and his younger brother Cooper were among the first skate boarders to “christen” the new skate park, located at Dickinson Park, on Brushy Hill. “I’ve been here since about 8 am,” said Jake. “This has been long awaited,” he added, taking off on his board to ride the steps down to the lower level.

Another 16-year-old junior from Newtown High School, Brandon Capaldo, was equally excited. “I’ve been a skateboarder since about four years ago. We’ve been fundraising a long time,” said Brandon. “This is exciting,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many other young people testing out the Parks and Recreation’s newest addition to the town.

Sunday saw an equally exuberant crowd spinning, swooping, and soaring from one side of the concrete bowl to the other, sailing up and down the paths, riding the rails, and ratcheting down the steps.

“It’s really sick,” exclaimed Kyle Harrington. “It’s perfect!”

Newtown Parks and Recreation has issued safety regulations for all who use the Newtown Skate Park.

Use of this park is at your own risk. All users assume all risk of injury. The Town of Newtown and its agents are not responsible for injuries of any type. When you enter this facility you assume all risks and responsibilities that could result in serious physical injury.

Park hours are 8 am until 30 minutes after sunset.

Skating is not permitted when surface is wet and/or frozen.

Skate park is for skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking only. All other uses prohibited.

Spectators are not allowed in skate park area and should watch from the perimeter of skate park area for safety.

Proper use of safety equipment (helmets, knee pads, elbow pads) is strongly recommended. In accordance with state helmet laws, it is again strongly recommended that all skaters wear a helmet while riding in the park.

Tagging or graffiti is strictly prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted.

Drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, and glass containers are strictly prohibited. Violators will be prosecuted.

No unauthorized pieces of equipment, obstacles, or apparatus may be brought into the skate area.

Anyone under the age of 10 must be supervised by an adult. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 10 not use skateboards without close adult supervision and that children younger than 5 not use them at all.

Shirts are required at all times.

Honor the carry-in, carry-out policy by leaving the park cleaner than you found it.

No pets are allowed in Dickinson Park or the skate area.

Fighting, profanity, loud music or rude, disruptive behavior will result in ejection from the park.

Last but not least, have fun.