Smyrna parks committee pauses skate‑park decision as residents debate costs, safety and outreach

The Smyrna Parks & Recreation Committee on its June meeting night declined to take formal action on removing the town’s skate park, after residents and committee members debated cost, liability and outreach for more than an hour. Chair Mike Pearson reminded the room that the committee is advisory to the town council and encouraged residents to review the master parks plan posted on the town website.

Several residents said the original estimate for parts of the park work rose substantially during design, with one attendee saying, “it went out from 4,000 and by the time it was done it was $570,000,” and warning that rising material costs have forced reprioritization of capital projects. Committee members and members of the public said recurring vandalism and damage to restroom facilities have drained funds intended for new work.

Public commenters and youth advocates pressed the committee to consider alternatives or design changes to keep skating opportunities for young people. A resident identified as Samantha said, “I’m here to advocate for a safe space for people to go. . . skate parks save lives for real,” arguing insurance worries should not be an automatic end to skate‑park options. Other attendees suggested less‑intensive designs such as a pump track for bicycles and boards, described as a curving, flowy circuit without large ramps.

Town staff and committee members described insurance and liability constraints that shape what can be built and how it is managed. A committee member explained that insurers may respond to claims or repeated injuries by limiting coverage, which reduces the town’s options for certain permanent facilities. Committee members repeatedly emphasized that project priority is set by demonstrated community interest and available funding, and that most park projects require multiple years to plan and build.

The chair directed attendees to a posted “skate park update” on the town website for the committee’s current position and crossed the topic off that night's agenda without a vote. No formal motion to remove the skate park or to approve a specific replacement design was recorded at the meeting. The committee said it will continue to rely on the master parks plan and budget availability when assessing future skate‑park options.

The meeting record shows active engagement from residents, including youth and former participants in park programs, and repeated requests for clearer outreach and inclusion of young people in planning.