Geneb
2004-07-02 07:49:30 UTC
*** Skate/Bike Jam raises money for planned skate park at Mill Woods ***
Wethersfield, CT (AP) -- 07/02/2004
On June 19 from 11 to 6 p.m. Emerson Williams' parking lot
swarmed with bicyclists and skateboarders raising money for
a planned skate park at Mill Woods Park.
Participants paid a $10 admission, which included
skateboarding and biking events and contests with prizes.
"We are thrilled with the effort the kids put into this," stated Parks
and Rec Director, Kathy Bagley. "It's been a terrific operation by
the kids."
To date, the skate park committee, which is comprised mainly of
Wethersfield youth, has raised more than $95,000 since beginning
fundraising efforts in January. According to Jane Johnson, Social
and Youth Services liaison, the Skate Park Committee is working
in conjunction withthe Park and Rec Department, Social and Youth
Services, and the Police Department.
"Kathy Bagley, myself and Officer Tammy Austin held a general
interest meeting in 2003," Johnson stated. "We had over 100 people
attend, mostly kids."
In fact, Johnson said that 15 years ago the town was approached
by kids asking for a skate park. In the master plan for Mill Woods
an area was designated for a skate park, but funding was not included.
"Kids are really doing the designing. We've had a representative
from one skate park [advise them]," Johnson said.
Johnson added that in addition to the design, committees comprised
of kids in middle school through college are spearheading the
fundraising and rules and regulations.
According to Johnson, Paul Mangiafico, Matt Zawadski, Gerret Serven,
Nate Mumford, Mike Johnson, and Allison Zawadski have been
instrumental in the planning and overseeing the project.
"I've always had a skateboard," stated Matt Zawadski.
"In Wethersfield we don't have anywhere to skate."
Often times, skateboard enthusiasts skate in parking lots, where
they're told to leave, and on streets, both where their safety is in
question.
Garrett Serven, who has been in charge of the design of the Skate Park,
said he has based his design on many different skate parks he, and the
committee members, have been to. They decided what worked and
didn't work in each park, and came up with a design based on their
findings and experience.
According to Johnson, the committee has raised more than $95,000
since beginning their fundraising efforts in January. The skate park
will cost approximately $125,000 to complete.
"We've had incredible community support," added Johnson, who said
that the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association donated a portion
of their proceeds during a one week period to the skate park fundraiser
effort.
Johnson said that they hope to break ground by August,
with completion of the park to take approximately 6 weeks.
Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
All Things Northwest in BMX!
***** Gene`s BMX *****
http://www.genesbmx.com
Wethersfield, CT (AP) -- 07/02/2004
On June 19 from 11 to 6 p.m. Emerson Williams' parking lot
swarmed with bicyclists and skateboarders raising money for
a planned skate park at Mill Woods Park.
Participants paid a $10 admission, which included
skateboarding and biking events and contests with prizes.
"We are thrilled with the effort the kids put into this," stated Parks
and Rec Director, Kathy Bagley. "It's been a terrific operation by
the kids."
To date, the skate park committee, which is comprised mainly of
Wethersfield youth, has raised more than $95,000 since beginning
fundraising efforts in January. According to Jane Johnson, Social
and Youth Services liaison, the Skate Park Committee is working
in conjunction withthe Park and Rec Department, Social and Youth
Services, and the Police Department.
"Kathy Bagley, myself and Officer Tammy Austin held a general
interest meeting in 2003," Johnson stated. "We had over 100 people
attend, mostly kids."
In fact, Johnson said that 15 years ago the town was approached
by kids asking for a skate park. In the master plan for Mill Woods
an area was designated for a skate park, but funding was not included.
"Kids are really doing the designing. We've had a representative
from one skate park [advise them]," Johnson said.
Johnson added that in addition to the design, committees comprised
of kids in middle school through college are spearheading the
fundraising and rules and regulations.
According to Johnson, Paul Mangiafico, Matt Zawadski, Gerret Serven,
Nate Mumford, Mike Johnson, and Allison Zawadski have been
instrumental in the planning and overseeing the project.
"I've always had a skateboard," stated Matt Zawadski.
"In Wethersfield we don't have anywhere to skate."
Often times, skateboard enthusiasts skate in parking lots, where
they're told to leave, and on streets, both where their safety is in
question.
Garrett Serven, who has been in charge of the design of the Skate Park,
said he has based his design on many different skate parks he, and the
committee members, have been to. They decided what worked and
didn't work in each park, and came up with a design based on their
findings and experience.
According to Johnson, the committee has raised more than $95,000
since beginning their fundraising efforts in January. The skate park
will cost approximately $125,000 to complete.
"We've had incredible community support," added Johnson, who said
that the Old Wethersfield Shopkeepers Association donated a portion
of their proceeds during a one week period to the skate park fundraiser
effort.
Johnson said that they hope to break ground by August,
with completion of the park to take approximately 6 weeks.
Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
All Things Northwest in BMX!
***** Gene`s BMX *****
http://www.genesbmx.com