Project Knomad gives Warwick’s skate park a fresh coat of paint

WARWICK — Volunteers from Project Knomad painted the exposed wood and trash/recycle bins in the skate park in Veteran’s Memorial Park last month.

Project Knomad, inspired by local artist and skateboarder Ian Sharp, who passed away in 2012, is an entity of coordinators, facilitators and skaters who come together to skate, create and enhance community experience. “Knomad,” would have been the name of Ian Sharp’s company if he had lived.

“We call the group Project Knomad in his honor,” said coordinator Donna Kaminski. “It means to us that we are all inclusive, bringing community together from many different backgrounds and resource pools.”

She added that Project Knomad is engaged in a multi-faceted experience of the arts, in culturally relevant community endeavors and projects and in teaching relevant skills to youth that enhance and support future vocational goals.

Kaminski reported that this paint project was the first of many Project Knomad community efforts. Paddock and Son Painting, Inc., oversaw the efforts from choosing paint and supplies to guidance on the job.

“We would like to thank all our volunteers including the Paddock, Walsh and Poulson families and friends, Project Knomad skate team members, Warwick Valley School District students, facilitators and supporters,” said Kaminski. “Many thanks also go out to our veterans, the mayor and Board of Trustees, the Warwick Lion’s Club and Community 2000 for their help and continued support.”

To learn more about Project Knomad, visit http://projectknomad.blogspot.com or e-mail projectknomad@gmail.com.