Easthampton Skatepark (design phase)

Introduction:

In January 2022, the City Council approved funds (from the Community Preservation Act) to hire a consultant to design a skatepark in Easthampton.  The initial effort has been led by a group of skateboarders who are forming a non-profit 501C3 to collect donations and funds for future maintenance.  In cooperation with the Planning Department and the Mayor's office, a potential location behind City Hall and the Public Safety Complex at 32 & 50 Payson Avenue was selected.  

In February 2022, the City hired the Platform Group to create a design and cost estimate suitable for future grant funds for construction. As identified in the City's 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan, a skatepark was identified as a highly desirable recreational amenity. 

Here's the City's press release from March 29, 2022:

The City of Easthampton will be holding a skatepark design public meeting, in person, at 50 Payson Avenue on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 6 p.m.  The meeting will occur in the second floor meeting room and people of all ages are encourage to attend to provide their input on the design of the City’s first official skatepark.

Over the past two years a committed group of skateboarders have been exploring sites, raising awareness, gathering support, and raising funds.  The group consisting of Angie Falkowski, Eddie Comini, Jeff Burke, Matt Boucher and Noah Halpern-Mcmanus are also forming a non-profit 501C (3) entity to collect additional donations and funds for future maintenance.

In January 2022, the City Council approved funds (from the Community Preservation Act) to hire a consultant to design a skatepark in Easthampton.  

“Easthampton's skatepark project represents a true community effort, bringing a quality recreational opportunity with low economic cost to youth of all ages”, said Mayor Nicole LaChapelle.

In cooperation with the Planning Department and the Mayor's office, a potential location behind City Hall and the Public Safety Complex at 32 & 50 Payson Avenue was selected and in February 2022, the City hired the Platform Group to create a design and cost estimate suitable for future grant funds for construction. 

“The need for a skatepark was identified in the City's 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan and the funding for a design marks the City’s commitment to provide an alternative to organized sports”, said City Planner Jeff Bagg.

After the initial design meeting, a second meeting will occur in May or early June in preparation for possible application for construction grants in July.  

The location behind the public safety complex will provide a unique skatepark experience with minimal impacts to parking.  It will become another destination for residents and visitors and will contribute to the economic development and draw of downtown Easthampton”, said skatepark organizer Angie Falkowski.

If you would like to donate to the project, please go to the Easthampton Skatepark page, here.

For more information, please check out the following meetings and documents:

The following is an early map showing the potential location for the skatepark behind City Hall and the Public Safety Complex:

City Council January 19, 2022 - This is the final meeting to review the project and for the City Council to vote to authorize the expenditure of $42,500 for a skatepark design. 

CPA Committee, December 16, 2021 - This is the second meeting which includes extensive discussion of potential rail trail connection, locational elements, maintenance, liability, and timeline.  

To view the final CPA packet of materials, click here.

Click here to view the preliminary site location map.

CPA Committee, November 18, 2021 - This is the introduction of the project, it's relationship to the Open Space Plan, and an overview of the design timeline and goal of pursuing future grants for construction. 

Click here to view the original submitted packet. (NOTE: this file contains the four submitted skatepark design proposals)