Skate Park in Point Pleasant Borough May Re-Open on April 23

The skate park on Route 88, next to McKennan Lake Field, may re-open three partial days a week starting on April 23 if the Borough Council gives final approval at its April 19 meeting, said Councilman Mitch Remig at Tuesday night's council meeting.

"We plan to have an opening day event on May 1," Remig said. After the meeting, he said the event will likely feature local skate shops, vendors and a few giveaways.

He said a March 30 recreation committee meeting resulted in a few recommended changes to the proposed ordinance that allows for the re-opening of the skate park.

Despite the original proposal to charge non-residents a fee of $30 to use the skate park, it will be free to non-residents as well as residents, Remig said.

"There will be no fee for out-of-town residents due to the fact that it is a Green Acres property and it is open to all residents of New Jersey," he said.

Those who want to use the skate park must get a card, which is free at first.

"But if you lose it, you have to pay $5 for the second one," Remig said.

The ordinance states that all skateboarders must have a permit to use the park.

Permits "require the completion of a risk management release form to be completed by a parent or guardian."

He also said the borough will have a portable toilet set up and a small set of bleachers just outside the chain link fence, so those using the skate park have a place to put their belongings and spectators have a place to sit.

There will also be an on-site message board for announcements and updates about events and/or problems arising. It will also include contact numbers for the police and recreation departments.

"The final soundproofing still needs to be completed eventually," Remig said.

After the meeting, he said soundproofing has already started. Foam has been sprayed onto the underside of the mini-ramp or "half-pipe" and the next step is to also insulate the east side of the mini-ramp's platform which is closest to the adjacent residential neighborhood, he said.

The hope is that the foam will absorb some of the noise, since there had been some noise complaints in the past.

"And a system will be implemented to make sure habitual offenders are not reissued cards to the park," he said during the meeting.

A sign will be posted listing all rules and regulations, such as a requirement for helmets and safety gear, not to bring any additional ramps, rails, boxes or "other modifications" into the park and to also not bring in any food, beverages, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol or stereos.

Police have the right to confiscate skateboards from those who aren't complying with the rules and also have the right to close the park if necessary.

"We will be looking into a timer on the gate so the park can open on its own without having to wait for an available police officer. This will alleviate phone calls to the police and reduce the amount of aggravated patrons waiting for the park to be opened," Remig said.

Trash and recycling containers will be in the area. 

The Borough Council on March 15 gave unanimous, preliminary approval to open the skate park on a limited basis. It's expected council will adopt the ordinance on second reading at the April 19 meeting.

The park would be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during the school year. During the summer it would be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The park first opened in April 2006 and closed about a year ago after complaints of vandalism and noise. Police Chief Larry Williams had said last month that police had issued summonses to adults and juveniles for a variety of reasons when the park had been open.

The ordinance calls for police to enforce the rules. Captain Richard Larsen had said in a recent interview on Tuesday that police will respond to the park "on an as-needed basis."

"But we can't station someone there," he said.

No residents discussed the park on Tuesday night.

However, Chris Gripp, who lives on Central Avenue, across the street from the skate park, had said at the March 15 meeting, "My wife, my daughters and I have all seen numerous instances of urinating in public because there are no restrooms there.

"Why is it that we're tweaking the rules and regulations when we had those before and no one wanted to go there to make sure helmets were worn and other things?" Gripp asked. "I think the park should be open. The kids need somewhere to go. But I think we need restrooms."

Gripp noted that "portable facilities" were installed at the site on days there were one-day events.

There are bathrooms in the concession stand next to McKennan Lake Field, but apparently those are open only during scheduled, organized sporting events on the field.

On Tuesday night, Remig said there would be a portable toilet "on the property."

Peter Hetzel, River Road, had asked the council on March 15 how the skateboarders will stay hydrated in the summer since they are not allowed to have any beverages inside the park. Councilman Chris Goss had said they can drink outside the fenced-in skate area.

Hetzel said he hopes there are trash cans around the outside of the skate park so skateboarders can throw out trash from food and beverages.

"I'm concerned about the safety of the children and about the supervision, since the ordinance says the park will not be supervised," Hetzel said.

Remig said on March 15 that the borough's insurance carrier will not allow the borough to supervise the park.