Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation And Parks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents, organizers push Vineland to build a skatepark, citing youth benefits and local economic boost
Summary
Several residents and organizers urged Vineland leaders to prioritize a concrete skatepark, saying it would provide affordable recreation, benefit youth (including students with ADHD), and draw visitors; presenters offered design and funding suggestions and pledged community involvement.
Dozens of Vineland residents told the city council on June 23 that the city should build a dedicated skate or bike park, describing the project as an affordable, preventive youth program and a potential economic draw.
Ashley, who identified herself as organizer of the Vineland Skatepark Project, said the city has lacked a public skatepark since 2013 and urged the council to work with volunteers and local builders on funding, site selection and long-term maintenance. "This gives them a place where they can still participate, stay active, and have the community they get from structured sports," she said.
Mary Gaunt, a Vineland middle-school teacher, cited the city's recreation survey in which skateboarding placed fourth (reported as six fewer responses than gardening and 24 fewer than pickleball) and pointed to studies she said show skateboarding can help develop communication, critical thinking and mental-health benefits for students, including those with ADHD.
Victor Faustst, a local skater and small skate brand owner, recommended a concrete park rather than prefab metal, saying concrete is safer and less costly to maintain. He offered connections to builders who could construct a park "for a fraction" of the cost of some high-end installers and said events at a park could spur nearby spending at restaurants and shops.
Several public speakers suggested naming a park after Ed Abbott (owner of the former Ed's Bike Shop) and reviving youth events tied to a venue. Council members responded appreciatively: Council member English recounted local skatepark history and said he would support the effort; Vice President Gomez thanked organizers and staff for events and noted insurance remains an obstacle the city must address.
No formal action or motion to create a skatepark was taken at the June 23 meeting; council members encouraged organizers to submit materials to the clerk and indicated staff will explore options, including insurance and funding.
