Skate park users respond to plea to help repair, maintain the park

Warwick — Two weeks ago, Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard and Trustee Eileen Patterson appealed to the users of the village’s skate park in Veteran’s Memorial Park: We need your help! Seems the park, which was named after Newhard’s father, Robert, who was instrumental in having it built, is in need of some updating. Part is from wear and tear. Part is from damage. Patterson, the board’s liaison to parks and recreation, did her homework. She has ordered the resurfacing materials, which will be delivered shortly. Before that can be done, though, the ramps must be repainted and the fence, which was damaged, must be repaired. She and Newhard asked those who use the park to help with the painting and repairs. As of last Saturday, Patterson said she has gotten about a dozen volunteers, all users of the park who are volunteering to help keep make the park more presentable, enjoyable, and safe. “Our response has been really great,” she said. The painting will happen on Saturday, July 29, starting at 10:30 a.m. The paint is being donated by Wadeson’s. “We are going with a Jackson Pollack inspiration,” Patterson said. “It will have that splattered look. It won’t be boring.” Last summer, the Village Board agreed to keep the skate park open longer hours without physical supervision. Instead, police monitoring and adequate signage have been the keepers of the park, which is open from 7 a.m. until sundown. These and other recommendations came from a Skateboard Safety Committee, which held meetings for six months to come up with adequate rules and regulations for the park. Now, it is time to do some maintenance. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help at the park may call Patterson at 986-2031. Also, anyone needing community service hours is welcome to participate. Patterson said the mayor will document the hours for them.