Newark Skate Park at critical point
By John Zornow

Although buoyed by a $20,000 donation from the K & M Foundation of Newark, efforts to get grassroots support from the village masses are coming up short for the planned Newark Skate Park.

Valerie VanDongen, spokesperson for the Skate Park group, was disappointed last Thursday evening, when no one showed up for a meeting to chart the future fund raising plans. VanDongen sent out more than 100 invitations to individuals and businesses.

'Many of those who didn't participate in the meeting will be the first ones to eject kids onto the streets, where the sport is dangerous,' said VanDongen. She added, 'We have to realize that skateboarding is an up-and-coming sport, but is not receiving support as many team sports.'

The committee is not looking for large contributions from every resident and business. If many small contributions were to come forward, VanDongen said it would show that this community cares about kids and family activities. She added that she believes more family involvement is needed. pointing out that many families spend one or more days every summer at places such as Darien Lake at a cost of over $100. VanDongen calculates that if all Newark families contribute $10 to $20 to this park, it could become a reality.

Although Newark has more than 17 acres of parks, it is low on the scale for its recreation facilities. Undaunted, the committee is looking for fresh ideas to raise the remainder of the necessary funds. Two major goals have been overcome: A site has been provided at no cost, and liability insurance, once thought to be a major obstacle, has been found to be low-cost to the village.

$42,768 has been raised to build the 20,000 square foot facility that is projected to cost $100,000.

top of page

Copyright © 2000
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513
All Rights Reserved