Skate Park’s Official Opening Ceremony Set For December 11

By Kendra Bobowick

Putting scissors to ribbon on Saturday, December 11, will be the final step in making Newtown’s new skate park official.

“It is really a dream come true,” said grassroots fundraising and support group chair Erin Heneghan. “At certain points we thought it wasn’t going to happen, but it did.”

The public is invited to join with the volunteers, officials and families who have long supported a park dedicated to skaters and BMX riders on Saturday morning at 11. Attendees will gather at the Brushy Hill Road entrance to Dickinson Park — the corner now occupied by a full bowl, ramps, stairs, and skating course. The poured concrete park has been in use since its completion in late November.

“I am in awe,” said Ms Heneghan. “I drive by and there it is. I can’t believe it.”

In a recent e-mail, Ms Heneghan wrote, “We’re a blessed bunch. The park has been consistently packed since it opened for skating on November 20. The day was full of fun and excitement (and talent!) from morning to night.

“Skaters and bikers are thoroughly enjoying the park and haven’t been the least bit deterred by some very cold temperatures! Excitement is keeping them warm,” her note continued.

The most recent campaign chairman, Ms Heneghan had taken over for former chair Lori Capozziello. In early November, Ms Capozziello sent photos and an e-mail stating, “Now that it’s for real, I still can’t believe it! It’s such an incredible feeling.” Mrs Capozziello had headed the Donate to Skate effort since early 2007 until about a year ago, when she handed the coordination over to Ms Heneghan.

Once Ms Capozziello learned of the December 11 ribbon cutting, she too put her thoughts into words in an e-mail.

“I always had faith during this remarkable journey that this day would eventually come,” she began. Her involvement began in spring 2007 when her sons asked for a ride to the Ridgefield Skate Park. She wrote: “Back then I never knew there was such a thing. I was amazed and immediately started thinking, ‘Hey we should have one of these in Newtown!’”

She soon approached the Parks and Recreation Commission and learned that prior years’ start-up efforts had lost momentum. The commission encouraged her, however, and Ms Capozziello soon generated interest and support. She continued those efforts for two years, rallying support from both the community and town officials.

During the past year the effort found both generous matching donations to the town’s promised $25,000 budgeted funds, and $18,000 through fundraising. Funds covered costs for the $108,000 skate park.

Town crews and private contractor American Ramp Company recently completed site work and installation.

“My personal belief is that this was meant to be,” said Mrs Capozziello. “There were tremendous obstacles and struggles but I can surely tell you the whole time I felt the project was blessed ... it’s all been just a plain old miracle.

“I know it’s just a skate park but for so many of us it’s way more than that. It’s a dream come true,” she added.

“There was a true need for this skate park,” Newtown Parks & Recreation Director Amy Mangold said this week. “This need was demonstrated by many individuals for many years… I can remember when I worked for Parks and Recreation 20 years ago, when there were students trying to get a skate park.

“The sport continued to grow and these athletes have never had a place to call their own,” she continued via e-mail. “Even when some skaters grew up and moved on there were more looking for a park. Donate to Skate was persistent and passionate about this need, their passion rubbed off on many of us and the desire to accomplish this park grew importance. Much of the community was getting involved in one way or another and the community involvement made the need more prevalent. It was the power of our community that made this park happen. We are very lucky to have so many dedicated, caring and talented individuals that helped to create this fantastic park.”