Benefit raises funds for new skatepark in Easthampton

Oct. 27, 2021 | Nasya Blackshear
nblackshear@thereminder.com

Skaters grabbed some air on the temporary ramps set up during Easthampton Skatepark’s fundrasier.
Reminder Publishing photo by Nasya Blackshear

EASTHAMPTON – As day turned to dusk, people of all ages found themselves skating in the parking lot of Abandoned Building Brewery where the organization Easthampton Skatepark hosted its third benefit to raise funds to build a new skatepark behind City Hall.  

The organization secured the location for the skatepark about a month ago, so the event was somewhat of a celebration. “We’re trying to celebrate by having a fundraiser with Abandoned Building Brewery,  who was willing to donate 50 percent of their proceeds to the skatepark fund for construction costs and stuff like that,” said Noah Halpern McManus, a member of Easthampton Skatepark. Theory Skate and Skate Jawn also partnered up with Easthampton Skatepark, providing ramps to skate on and selling merchandise so that proceeds would go to the skate park.  

“We’re trying to raise as much as possible because construction costs are expensive,” began McManus. “Right now, we’re in the design approval phase. We’re waiting to get designs back and should have those within the next month or so.  From there, decide on a final design so we can get an estimate of how much that costs. After that, we’ll continue fundraising.” Easthampton Skatepark hopes to break ground come spring. “I know that there is still some work to be done on the land as far as the retaining wall goes and a few other features, to get it ready for skate park construction, but we are hoping to have that sorted out by winter,” he explained.

McManus mentioned that Angie Falkowski has been the brains behind the operation. “She’s been the biggest proponent in getting the city involved and getting businesses in the area involved,” said McManus. He continued, “We have a small coalition of skateboarders that are living in the area or close by that want to make this a reality, and they’ve been working closely with the city councils.”  

The organization hopes to have another event in the winter months. “We’re hoping to have something over the winter, but we'll see about regulations and a million other things. If nothing happens to regulations over the winter, as soon as outdoor activities are commencing, we are going to be fundraising for sure,” McManus said.

McManus said they’re always accepting donations through Venmo for Easthampton Skatepark. If individuals have questions or want more information, follow the group on Instagram @easthamptonskatepark. 

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