Select Board authorizes manager to work with Civic Standard on skate‑park placements and permanent plan

Rose Freeman of Civic Standard urged the board to consider a town partnership to pursue a permanent skate park and to identify a location before applying for grants. "We want it to be on town property," Rose said, arguing that a town-backed site would improve grant and fundraising prospects and long‑term maintenance.

Board members asked detailed questions about insurance, upkeep and likely locations. Michael Parker and Steven Roselli, who had used last summer’s temporary ramp, described steady but modest local use, with Roselli saying he visited the ramp “at least twice a week, weather permitting” and that Fridays drew the most users. Kristen and other board members emphasized that if the ramp sits on town property it must be maintained to avoid negligence claims; Kristen noted she had previously insured the ramp under town property coverage and that premiums did not increase when it was added to the town’s property schedule.

Discussion focused on two parallel tracks: (1) locate an interim site where the current modular ramp could be placed and stored for the season (several members favored the trailhead/townhouse area), and (2) pursue a longer‑term permanent site (outside floodplain) with an MOU defining maintenance and fundraising roles. Several members supported authorizing the town manager to work with Civic Standard to explore feasibility. A motion to authorize the town manager to coordinate with Civic Standard on temporary placement and to investigate permanent options passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Town staff will assess feasible town parcels (including the trailhead area behind the depot and other non‑floodplain town land), gather size and insurance information, and return to the board with a recommendation and proposed MOU language. Civic Standard offered to provide grant and design support if the board signals interest.