ARC Coming To Town Monday—

Try Out The Traveling Skate Park

“This is really, really, cool. I have been waiting to hear from them,” Parks & Recreation Director Amy Mangold said after finally receiving a phone call — and an answer — from American Ramp Company (ARC).

“They’re coming!” she said Tuesday. Months ago she and skate park supporter Mark Tambascio, of the local grassroots group Donate To Skate, had asked that ARC — a Missouri-based company that provides skate park setup demonstrations across the country — make a stop in Newtown.

The demo-park, which offers skaters a chance to set their wheels against professional ramps, will set up at Dickinson Park on Monday, August 3, from 4 to 6 pm.

“It’s a call to skateboarders,” said Ms Mangold, who explained that Monday will also be a chance for awareness. “It’s showing people what’s out there. This is a great chance to come and see what these athletes do.” She hopes for as much skater and spectator participation as possible. “People can see what it’s all about.”

Skaters must wear a helmet and present a signed waiver. Forms are available at the recreation office at Town Hall South or at www.Newtown-ct.gov, where the Parks & Recreation page also has waivers. ARC sales coordinator Josh Willis encourages residents to speak with consultant Jeremy Cupp, who will be at Dickinson next week.

He also briefly described the traveling demonstration park: Roughly $30,000 worth of equipment will include ramps rails, banks, centerpieces, and quarter pipes. Skaters and the town officials making decisions about a skate park can all see what they would be purchasing and using.